 The design of our environment changes our brain, and life
I read the book about a year ago but forgot to review it promptly. For this review I've looked back at my highlights to refresh my memory and my review may not be as good as it could have been. Sorry.
The book used actual research results from a variety of studies to support the hypothesis that architecture and interior design can dramatically improve occupant's well-being. We respond neurologically, psychologically, and physiologically to our environments, and that designers can craft interiors that improve our well-being, including health and longevity.
The book includes a section on observing environmental behavior that gives designers a jump start on the practical application of ethnographic research for interior activities.
I didn't get as much information from this book as I had hoped. That isn't necessarily the author's fault though. The main problem is that the depth of research we need for understanding how to design architecture and interiors for human well-being is limited by both funding and researcher's imaginations. This is probably about the best the book could be written at this time in history.
I would love to recommend this book to all architects and interior designers but I know many and they would never have the patience or interest to get through it. However, there is a small tribe of designers who realize that both professions are sadly lacking in understanding humans in interior environments. If you are in that tribe then this book is a must read. You will help change the world.
- jim
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