Neuro-Architecture

Neuro-Architecture is the relationship between architecturally built buildings and human behavior.  It is the idea behind the fact that a well built building or a poorly built building can have positive or negative consequences on society.   It has to do with the understanding that design can physically and emotionally affect society, whether it be consciously or unconsciously.

The average person is probably not conscious of the experience they have while within spaces.  Light, the flow of a space, how architecturally well a building is built, meaning how true to its original inspiration, all affect us physically and emotionally.  If a building has an abundance of natural light and an easy flow, stress and anxiety levels are relatively low.  On the contrary, if a building lacks natural light or is a labyrinth of some kind, stress and anxiety levels can rise.

Ongoing reports are being done to try and expand the field of study to find more correlations between the built environment and society.  Discoveries from past studies are trying to link developed environments with positive consequences and underdeveloped environments with negative consequences, including low income or crime.

It is important for architects to make the experience of a space known to its occupants, as well as to themselves.  Once architects are aware of the experience their space is creating, they can better design for positive spaces.  It is also important for the general public to educate themselves on how a space can positively or negatively affect them, for even decoration can affect a person, according to a CNN report.

http://articles.cnn.com/2009-07-02/living/o.bed.bath.bliss_1_architecture-design-kitchen-john-zeisel?_s=PM:LIVING

In the future we can expect architects to proactively address the effects created by the built environment, and to begin changing the way they practice to better design, with "an intention to improve the quality of life" for society as a whole.

Thrift Store Reflection

Each town has their fair share of thrift stores sitting on random corners of streets they would rather not admit exist in their neighborhood.  It is mostly likely not the first place we think of going shopping at when we go out with our friends, but it is a place to visit every once in a while.  When you step inside the thrift store, you are immediately surrounded by outdated clothing, furniture, jewelry, and books.  While you may be tempted to turn around and walk out then, I encourage you to stay and look around.  Soon you will see yourself in different pieces around the store.  Maybe it's the bejeweled jeans that you would have loved 10 years ago, that you would have felt confident and attractive in.  And then you begin to think about the designer jeans hanging in your closet that you constantly want more of, only to impress strangers on the street.  This seemingly little thrift store can suddenly have a huge impact on you.  A simple shopping trip can turn into a reflective trip.  As old pieces of clothing remind you of the person you once were, and how much you have changed as you have worked yourself up the management ladder at work, or as you have moved into a nicer neighborhood.  You start to remember how easy things were before, because you were happy before; not constantly complaining about yet another person.  You start to remember all the promises you left broken.  As the new year approaches, it is important that we reflect on our past year.  Holidays are for giving and loving friends and family, not a time for a long wish list for distant relatives.  This holiday season, I invite you all to reflect on your lives, and make a change in the coming year.  Keep the old you in mind as you confidently walk the streets and don't worry about comparing yourself to others.  Take the time to thank those how have helped you get to the place you are at, and apologize to those that you have disappointed in the past.  Reflect on your life and then make a new year's resolution to keep that reflection in check from time to time.