flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Study explores why high ceilings are popular

Architects

Study explores why high ceilings are popular

High ceilings give us a sense of freedom, new research finds


By BD+C Staff | March 9, 2015
Study finds out why most people like high ceilings

Interior view of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Photo courtesy Jean_Christophe Benoist/Wikimedia Commons

Real-estate listings usually include high ceilings as an amenity. This makes sense, as research has shown that home buyers tend to prefer homes above the standard eight-foot ceiling.

A recent study done by a team from the University of Toronto-Scarborough (UTS), who revealed to us recently why the human brain prefers curvy buildings, also explored why high ceilings are desirable.

Led by psychologist Oshin Vartanian of the UTS found that our brains tie high ceilings to a psychological sense of freedom, Fast Company reports.

In addition, the team also looked at the brain activity of research subjects who were placed under a neuroimaging scanner as they reviewed pictures of interiors. They found that the majority of respondents labeled a space with high ceilings as “beautiful.”

“Such rooms promote visuospatial exploration,” Vartanian told Fast Company. “At the same time they prompt us to think more freely. This could be a rather potent combination for inducing positive feelings.”

Fast Company has the full report.

Related Stories

Codes and Standards | Feb 6, 2015

Obama executive order requires federal construction projects to consider flood damage caused by climate change

To meet the new standard, builders must build two feet above the currently projected elevation for 100-year floods for most projects.

HVAC | Feb 6, 2015

ASHRAE, REHVA publish guide to chilled beam systems

The guide provides tools and advice for designing, commissioning, and operating chilled-beam systems.

Cultural Facilities | Feb 6, 2015

Under the sea: Manmade island functions as artificial reef

The proposed island would allow visitors to view the enormous faux-reef and its accompanying marine life from the water’s surface to its depths, functioning as an educational center and marine life reserve.

Contractors | Feb 6, 2015

Census Bureau: Capital spending by U.S. businesses increased 4.5%

Of the 19 industry sectors covered in the report, only one had a statistically significant year-to-year decrease in capital spending: the utilities sector.

Warehouses | Feb 5, 2015

Self storage facility designed to blend in with Miami Beach's party scene

The plans by architect Gutierrez & Lozano are of a sleek, boutique-looking, 22,500-sf facility at the gateway to the city.

Sponsored | Designers | Feb 5, 2015

3D printing has people in the building and construction industry talking

How can 3D printing affect the building design and construction industry?

Cultural Facilities | Feb 5, 2015

5 developments selected as 'best in urban placemaking'

Falls Park on the Reedy in Greenville, S.C., and the Grand Rapids (Mich.) Downtown Market are among the finalists for the 2015 Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence.

Architects | Feb 5, 2015

Toy around with Ittyblox's ultra-detailed building blocks

For Lego fanatics, time is no object when building a model. For those of us with a little less time, Ittyblox is a good solution.

Transit Facilities | Feb 4, 2015

London mayor approves plan for a bicycle highway

The plan will guarantee bike riders a designated stretch of street to ride from east to west through the city.

Sports and Recreational Facilities | Feb 4, 2015

Arup unveils plans for the new A.C. Milan stadium

The venue will include a modern stage for the home matches together with a hotel, sports college, restaurants, children’s playground, green areas, and spaces open to the city and dedicated to public use.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category


Museums

The Tampa Museum of Art will soon undergo a $110 million expansion

In Tampa, Fla., the Tampa Museum of Art will soon undergo a 77,904-sf Centennial Expansion project. The museum plans to reach its $110 million fundraising goal by late 2024 or early 2025 and then break ground. Designed by Weiss/Manfredi, and with construction manager The Beck Group, the expansion will redefine the museum’s surrounding site.



Reconstruction & Renovation

Movement to protect historic buildings raises sharp criticism

While the movement to preserve historic buildings has widespread support, it also has some sharp critics with well-funded opposition groups springing up in recent years. Some opponents are linked to the Stand Together Foundation, founded and bankrolled by the Koch family’s conservative philanthropic organization, according to a column in Governing magazine.

halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021