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

| Mar 6, 2013

Robert Ivy, Jerry Yudelson announced as keynoters for BUILDINGChicago

Robert Ivy, FAIA, CEO of the American Institute of Architects, will be the keynote speaker at BUILDINGChicago on Tuesday, September 10, 2013. Jerry Yudelson, PE, LEED Fellow, the author of 13 books on sustainable design, will deliver the Wednesday, September 11, keynote address.

| Mar 6, 2013

German demonstration building features algae-powered façade

Exterior of carbon-neutral demonstration building consists of hollow glass panels containing micro-algae "farms."

| Mar 5, 2013

Recycled recreation: Waste-to-energy plant combines with ski resort

A new project near Copenhagen pushes the boundaries of the term "mixed use," combining a waste-to-energy plant with a ski resort.

| Mar 5, 2013

Barbara Mullenex joins Washington, D.C., office of Perkins Eastman as principal

The Board of Directors of top international design and architecture firm Perkins Eastman is pleased to announce that Barbara Mullenex RA has joined the growing Washington, DC, office as a Principal.  Mullenex joins with a distinguished career of more than 26 years of industry experience in architecture and interior design focused on hospitality and corporate interiors.

| Mar 4, 2013

Dewberry names James Draheim president of architectural practice

Dewberry, a privately held professional services firm, has recently hired James Draheim, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, as president of the firm’s 175-person nationwide architectural practice. Draheim will be responsible for all facets of the firm’s business development, operations, strategic planning, and growth.

| Mar 4, 2013

German healthcare design specialist TMK Architekten joins HDR Architecture

TMK Architekten • Ingenieure, one of Germany’s leading healthcare architecture firms, announced today that it is joining forces with HDR Architecture, the world’s No. 1 healthcare and science + technology design firm. The merged company will conduct business as HDR TMK, and will be the hub for the firm’s healthcare and science + technology design programs in Europe.

| Mar 4, 2013

Korean Air, AC Martin collaborating on Western region's tallest tower

The 1,100-foot Wilshire Grand will combine retail and restaurant space, offices, and a luxury hotel in the sky.

| Mar 4, 2013

Gehry unveils design for Santa Monica hotel-condo tower

If all goes as planned, Frank Gehry will design the first building in his hometown in some 25 years.

| Mar 3, 2013

World's first LEGO museum planned in Denmark

Bjarke Ingels Group and Ralph Appelbaum Associates will team up with the LEGO Group to design the physical home for The LEGO House, the world's first museum dedicated to LEGO.

| Feb 28, 2013

Daniel J. Rectenwald promoted to chief operating officer of HGA

HGA Architects and Engineers (HGA) has promoted Daniel J. Rectenwald, AIA, to Chief Operating Officer. He will oversee daily operation of the firm’s design and business strategies across seven national offices.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category


Resiliency

Austin area evacuation center will double as events venue

A new 45,000 sf FEMA-operated evacuation shelter in the Greater Austin metropolitan area will begin construction this fall. The center will be available to house people in the event of a disaster such as a major hurricane and double as an events venue when not needed for emergency shelter.



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