/Objective Beauty in Architecture

Is there such a thing as an objectively beautiful building?

For a long time, people have believed that there’s a universal standard of beauty that everyone can agree on. But is that really true? The UK’s deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, recently suggested removing the word “beautiful” from government housing policy, saying that it’s too subjective. She’s not alone – many people support the idea that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

The Science of Beauty

For over 150 years, psychologists have been studying what makes something beautiful. They’ve run controlled experiments to see if people agree on certain attributes, like colors or shapes. While some rules have emerged, none are universal. For example, the golden rectangle ratio is considered beautiful by some, but it’s not commonly used for bathroom tiles or books.

How Our Brains Process Beauty

Research has shown that our experiences and unconscious biases play a huge role in what we find visually appealing. It takes about 50 milliseconds, or the blink of an eye, to decide if we think something is beautiful. Familiarity also plays a big part – when we see or hear something often, it becomes easier for our brains to process. This can be misattributed as beauty, which is why trends in beauty emerge.

Beauty in Design

Good design can lead to beautiful things. When people interact with easy-to-use objects or interfaces, they tend to like them more. This is because good design considers usability, comfort, and aesthetics. Beautifully designed spaces can improve the quality of life for residents by making them more efficient and pleasant.

Does Beauty Matter in Housing Policy?

Some might argue that beauty is just a subjective concept and shouldn’t be considered in housing policy. However, beauty can have a significant impact on people’s mental health, stress levels, and overall well-being. Beautiful buildings can bring joy and contentment, and even contribute to a sense of peace and contentment.

The Power of Beauty

Beauty can also boost perseverance. When searching for information online, people are more likely to keep searching if the website is aesthetically pleasing. Similarly, when dealing with an electronic device, people are more likely to try to make it work if they find it attractive.

Don’t Disinvest from Beauty

Just because beauty is subjective doesn’t mean we should dismiss it. Investing in beauty can have a significant impact on people’s lives. By considering the human experience when building homes and neighborhoods, we can create spaces that are both beautiful and functional.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there may not be an objectively beautiful building, beauty plays a significant role in our lives. By understanding the science behind beauty and considering the human experience, we can create spaces that are both beautiful and functional.

FAQs

Q: Is beauty just subjective?
A: Yes, beauty is subjective and can vary from person to person.

Q: Can we create universally beautiful buildings?
A: While there may not be a universal standard of beauty, we can create buildings that are both beautiful and functional.

Q: How does beauty impact our lives?
A: Beauty can have a significant impact on our mental health, stress levels, and overall well-being.

Q: Can we measure the impact of beauty on people’s lives?
A: Yes, research has shown that beauty can have a measurable impact on people’s lives, from improving mental health to boosting perseverance.

Q: Why should we invest in beauty?
A: Investing in beauty can have a significant impact on people’s lives, and by considering the human experience when building homes and neighborhoods, we can create spaces that are both beautiful and functional.