The Neuroscience of Architecture

"In the current issue of Scientific American Mind, Emily Anthes describes how ceiling height, colors and other design factors influence attention and creativity. Scientists are just beginning to address these questions, in part by studying changes in brain activity as subjects make their way through virtual reality rooms."

"Are we hard-wired to dislike minimal interiors? A joint study by MIT and the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health suggests that clutter increases the 'memorability' of a room and establishes a reassuring sense of place. In other words, a generous scattering of objects generates a fondness for the place."