Culture and Psychology’s Affect on Architecture Over Time



|Global Studies and World languages Academy |

|Culture and Psychology’s Affect on Architecture Over Time |

|How does culture and Psychology affect Architecture over time? |

| |

| |

|Anajah Delestre |

|12/16/2013 |

Table of Contents

Abstract 3

Introduction 4

Limitations 5

Methodology 6

Literature Review 7

History of Architecture 10

Cutlure 11

Interior Design 12

Color 13

Psychological Methods 14

Western Architecture 15

History of Europe 17

Asian Culture 18

Architects’ 20

Conclusion 21

Works Cited 23

Appendix 1 25

Appendix 2 26

Appendix 3 27

Appendix 4 28

Appendix 5 29

Appendix 6 30

Abstract

The field of study for this research is psychology and architecture, which lead to the question how does culture and psychology affect architecture over time? Committee members will include Mr. Weiss as my faculty mentor and for my outside mentor it will be an architect, Michael Ross. The research that will be conducted is the changes that occur in architecture over time in different cultures. Also look at the interior design of buildings because everything has a purpose for being built. It will be helpful to find recent important architectural developments in different places and then compare it to the architecture from the past. The way the architect designed the building or structure was to convey some type of response and to affect the person’s mood and thinking. For further research an internship with an architect will hopefully be conducted because it would be helpful to understand the thought process of designing a building and to get firsthand experience.

The target audience would consist of people that are interested in psychology/culture or architecture because they both go hand in hand with each other. The purpose of the project is to provide information about how psychology and culture can affect architecture, so that people can start to interpret their surroundings and see what the architect tired to make that person understand while they were there. With the help of the committee members and the research that should come across clearly.

Introduction

Culture and psychology have a significant impact on the development of a building or structure. Architecture has changed over time due to cultural traditions shifting and new psychological theories on a person’s perception, which leads to the architecture that is now seen all across the world.

Exploring the past and present of architecture allows us to see the changes and influences that occurred during that time. It is important to know how the building will be perceived because each design has a purpose to affect someone’s mood and thought. It helps to understand the audience that the architect is trying to present to, so it can have a lasting effect. Most countries during the 19th century were a collectivist culture or considered Beaux Arts Architects. They followed strict rules of a functional purpose and the societal goals. They were known for order, formal design, and symmetry. Then an architect, Frank Gehry, started Deconstructivism during the modernism time which didn’t follow any regulations and was non-symmetrical. This type of architecture was out of the norm and caused much controversy, but in today’s society it is very well accepted. Studying the patterns from the past can explain present architectural designs since it is infused with much of the previous architecture.

The psychology behind architecture is a recent question for researchers. There is research for environmental psychology which is focused on the interaction between humans and their surroundings. Architects were able to create buildings that would work better for people with environmental psychology. Researching more of the perception of different cultures and time periods can help fill in gaps. Culture and psychology have a beneficial purpose on architecture because it can explain the architects’ intentions which can be helpful when designing for different countries.

Limitations

Investigating about the past has many limitations within itself because there isn’t a time machine in order to ask the architect their influences and thoughts. No one is alive that lived in the 19th century to explain the culture of the architecture that was built during that time. There are many influential buildings all over the world. It is difficult to travel to see every different style of buildings and structures in person, so viewing pictures is a possibility but sometimes they don’t tell the whole story. Photographs are biased because the photographer wants the audience to view the picture in the best presence. Limiting to only a few countries will allow the research to be more focused. so limiting to a certain amountw nviroment f the people or archtiects.iscover the influences it

Everyone has a different perception when viewing things in the world, so that applies in architecture as well. There can be some bias in the meaning of the structure since there are many views on something. Architectural psychology is different to each person since it’s the study how a person interacts with its environment through spatial thinking and perception. I don’t have firsthand knowledge on what psychologist believe about architectural designs. They each would probably have a different perspective on the building anyway. The time allotted for this project doesn’t allow for a full in depth research about culture and psychology.

To overcome these limitations there is a lot of research needed about the different cultural traditions, since that can influence the psychology of the people and architects. Exploring the culture of that century and then the psychological impacts will allow a full overview of each of the architectural designs. To minimize bias there needs to be a constant pattern of experiences and studies to allow for an accurate review of an architectural design. Through interviewing different architects and psychologist they will add more detailed knowledge. Narrowing in on limitations allows for a specific area of study with some leeway in order to fully develop and understand the affect culture and psychology has on architecture over time.

Methodology

There was a variety of research methods in order to discover and understand the topic in question. The most reoccurring method was finding information and articles online that were from creditable sources. Quantitative research was used in order to find statistics and to explain or predict what people perceive in the architecture. Descriptive quantitative research is the main type used because it determines and reports the information in the course of study. Qualitative research is also used through historical insight and looking through blogs in order to find other opinions on the subject. Since the research project deals with architecture over time the most useful approach would be qualitative. It is helpful to understand different perspectives between cultures and learn as much as possible about the subject.

Finding multiple articles from different sources allows for a wide range of opinions and knowledge on the affect of architecture due to psychology and culture. Archives at libraries allow for a specific search of information that can be incorporated in the research. Using books such as, 10 Buildings That Changed America, gives a story about how those buildings came to be in the US. Another great resource was, Travels in the History of Architecture, because it allowed an overview of the different styles of architecture through time. There is also an online survey called the Global Color Survey, which allows for input on what colors are associated with different items and everyone can do it around the world. Once the survey is done it gives a global result, which can be helpful in the section of the research when the focus shifts to interior design. The website and survey explains how color plays an important role in our experiences visually because everything evokes an emotion or response.

The use of different research methods makes the misconceptions become clear and elaborates on the research. A variety of research methods enables for a better understanding of the information and to have a clear point of view come across.

Literature Review

Architecture is all around the world and important to each society because it’s a physical representation of that society. Frank Lloyd Wright said it best with the quote; “The mother art is architecture. Without architecture of our own we have no soul of our own civilizations.” [1] By discovering the culture and psychological impacts on architecture allows for a better depiction of the world over time.

Environmental psychology is a key component in discovering the connection between culture and psychology with architecture because they both deal with the same concepts. Environmental psychology literally is the relationship between environments and human behaviors (Evans). The difference is that this research paper is dealing more with analyzing architectural structures and buildings due to the affects of culture and psychology’s role on it. “The American Institute of Architecture” article gives insight on how environmental psychologists are researching more on the physical environment affects on behavior and emotions.[2] Environmental psychologists are more research-based to receive their information about the interrelationship between people and their emotions (Moses). Some may also study from more of a social and cultural response to the environment.

A report on psychology and architecture included information about the psychological fundamentals that help a person view a building, such as using Gestalt’s principals. The writer goes in to depth about the wiring of our minds to seek meaning, significance, and patterns (Popow). [3] Through the writers own research he was able to discover information, but it is biased because he was seeking articles that benefited his purpose without any other opinions involved.

The next source explains the impact that Architectural Psychology has had on architects when they are designing new buildings. This article is biased as well because the writer taught Architectural Psychology to architecture students and now wants to provide more insight about the subject. The article goes on to explain how this research came to evolve and started to be communicated to designers (“Architectural Psychology”). Psychology now became integrated into other parts of design and education is an important way to make Architectural Psychology known. [4] Architectural Psychology has progressed and is now being researched more with new experiments and new knowledge is known.

Cultural influences have made architecture become more complex over time because at the beginning architectures purpose was for shelter (“Cultural Influences”). This source explains the process of simple architecture that just dealt with geometric shapes then evolved to larger buildings with symmetry, marble, and arches (“Cultural Influences”). The change occurred because it started to develop more of their own culture and religion. The Greeks were one of the first to make architecture a real art form and the Romans were similar in style. The article explains that Indian architecture used more domed ceilings and curves especially in the Taj Mahal (“Cultural Influences”).[5] The evolution of modern architecture is more artistic and creative with less structure.

The “Architecture and Culture” article explains that people’s culture and the environment are important for where it will be built. Different countries have various views because of the diverse cultures and how they use their environment.[6] The article did a case study and wanted to make a building that was the heart of the community. The aspect of different cultures is missing in a lot of the architecture now and is more focused on the economy and efficiency (“Architecture and Culture”).

The last source is “Culture Influence on Architecture” and it defines what architecture and culture is on a larger scale. Architecture is all the different environmental aspects like physical, economic, cultural, and social factors (Chopra). “Culture, therefore, should be understood as involving more than the values and needs of a group of people but the entire “way of life” of that society (Chopra).”[7] Every culture is different as well as every building, so the values and traditions affect the design of the building (Chopra). The articles explains in depth how culture is one of the key determinates of architecture through history.

Psychology and culture both have a significant impact on architecture and is still evolving over time. The process of architecture has now become more complex due to Architectural and Environmental Psychology. Architects are now able to incorporate a person’s emotions and evoke thoughts through architecture. Culture has made architecture more creative in the modern world as compared to the 19th century where it was mostly symmetrical and very structural. “A building is a kind of memory […] that provides a lasting framework for one’s actions and for those of others (A. Lang, 1985).”[8] By viewing these articles and sources will help explore more in-depth knowledge to finding how other countries use Architectural Psychology and culture. As the articles said that each culture is different and has its own values, so that allows for an interesting analysis of all the buildings and structures of the different countries in the world. Now the research can take place and support the thesis.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE

Over time architecture has evolved especially in the last centuries from the beginning of the 19th century to present day. The first architectural style in the 1890s was the Art Nouveau Architecture which meant new style.[9] Architects rebelled against formal and classical designs and felt that the greatest beauty could be found in nature (Craven). There buildings included features such as asymmetrical shapes, arches, and curved forms.

The next phase was called Beaux Arts Architecture and that started in the 1890s as well, but was more of a fine art style of architecture. The buildings were grandiose and mostly made out of stone with balustrades, balconies, and columns (Craven). Some examples include, The Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson Building in Washington DC and the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam (Craven). This style combines architecture from ancient Greece and Rome with Renaissance ideas. Eventually the buildings were considered ostentatious, but later in the 20th century postmodernism rediscovered it (Craven).

The Bauhaus movement meaning “house of building”, started during the 19th and 20th century and is the approach to teaching and understanding art’s relationship to society and technology (“Bauhaus Movement”). It was founded in 1919 by architect Walter Gropius in Wiemar, Germany. They feared that art will soon lose its purpose in society and wanted them to be reunited once again. The most important features were the intellectual and theoretical outcome of the art and it inspired many artists from the 20th century. The Bauhaus movement’s goal was to incorporate fine art, industrial and graphic design, typography, interior design, and architecture into their vision (“Bauhaus Movement”).

Next came the modernist styles in the 1900 and it was a new way of thinking which had emphasize on the function of the building. Architects would use a scientific, analytical approach to design buildings that would defy gravity (Craven). Deconstructivism was a big part in this and it’s the ability to see architecture in bits and pieces which allowed the building to seem unrelated, abstract, and to have no visual logic (Craven). Frank Gehry was a decontructivist and he designed many abstract and thought provoking structures like the Raisin building/Dancing House in Prague, Czech Republic (“Academy of Achievement”).

Present architecture is now called Postmodernism because it combines new ideas with traditional forms and contradicts some of the modernist ideas. In the buildings there are familiar shapes but used in unexpected ways and may incorporate different symbols (Craven). An example of this is in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with their PETRONAS Towers (“Petronas Twin”).[10] The different styles of architecture allows for a glimpse of the past and possibly how future architecture can look; since a lot of new architecture incorporates some features from the past. That includes culture as well because their history is able to be shown through the architecture.

CULTURE

The influence of culture on architecture is an important part of buildings and structures because it allows for other people to see the story and history behind it. Architecture started with buildings for religious purposes. In the very early years there were the ziggurats from the Mesopotamians and pyramids from Egyptians (“Cultural Influences”). It is a way for everyone to see the values of that society based on the styles that have occurred from the 19th century to modern day. Diverse cultures influence how space is used and designed (“Architecture and Culture”).[11] It is important to understand and study the parameters that influence the form of a building and the various methods of cultural representation and conveyance of meaning (Chopra).

Since culture is dynamic, so is the architecture in order to present an accurate interpretation of that society. For example, Chinese architecture is based on Feng shui while Indians believe in the vastu purusha mandala (Chopra). Each culture is unique and the more we learn about it, the more we appreciate our surroundings and understand why certain things appeal to us (“World Culture”). Interior Design has an importance as well since it incorporates the traditions in society.

INTERIOR DESIGN

Two important interior design concepts are Feng shui and vastu purusha mandala because they both involve a cultural and psychological aspect in the world. Feng shui is more known to people because it has been integrated into other parts of the world even though its roots are in China. While vastu purusha mandala was discovered in India and their buildings are based on this principle (Chopra).

Feng shui has been around for over 3,000 years in china and its purpose is to balance the energies of any given space to assure health and good fortune for people inhabiting it (Tchi). It’s the understanding of nature and that land is filled with energy or Chi. In the late 19th century Feng shui became the combined method of body of knowledge and the energy in any space (Tchi). In order for Feng shui to work cultural symbols have to be applied because there is a connection with the subconscious level of your mind, so in a lot of Chinese homes they incorporate their traditional culture (Tchi).[12] Feng shui still works in the 21st century because it creates environments of harmony, comfort, balance, and beauty and is becoming more conscious of our intimate connection with all that surrounds us (“About Feng shui”).

The legend of vastu purusha was to please a god by worshipping him by any person that builds a structure on earth (“Vastu Purusha”). The architect had to follow the Vastu Purusha Mandala Diagram which showed where the rooms could be placed and what could be in them (Appendix 1).[13] For example, in the center there was open space and light because it was ruled by Braham, the supreme one. If the house is designed as part of the Vastu Purusha Mandala, a perfectly balanced environment, which ensures enhanced health, wealth and happiness, is created (“Vastu Purusha”). Sunlight was important to them because they wanted everyone to be exposed to the sun everywhere since it leads to harmony. Scientifically it had a purpose because if the different rooms were placed according to the Vastu mandala then proper ventilation and lighting and privacy would be assured by the building (“Vastu Purusha”). Both of these interior design methods have some psychological implications because the purpose of the placement of the furniture and rooms was to achieve balance and nature, but another important factor is color.

COLOR

Colors in buildings have a significant effect on moods, emotions, and feelings. The interior design can be just as important as the exterior when it comes to influencing moods or actions. The effect of color is different for every person because of their culture and traditions (Cherry). The meaning of the color might change as the surroundings and circumstances change.

For example, black can mean authority and power in the western culture, but in India it is viewed as evil and negativity. While reds are good luck, happiness, and long life in China it is used for mourning in South Africa (“Cultural Color”). Blues have the power to ward off evil in Egypt while in western cultures it has many meanings such as trust, peace, and tranquility (“Color”).

At the University of British Columbia the psychologist did an experiment in 2009 on how colors of walls influence the imagination (Lehrer).[14] A group of 600 students did simple cognitive tests in red, blue or neutral colored backgrounds. In the red room they were more cautious and better at skills that required attention to detail, since most people associate red with danger (Lehrer). The color blue had the effect of the students doing worse on the short-term memory section, but way better on the tasks that required imagination (Lehrer). Since blue is associated with relaxation it makes it easier for creative thoughts to occur. The insides of buildings influence our mind which leads to the exterior and how that provokes feelings and thought.

PSYCHOLOGICAL METHODS

Psychology didn’t become consciously and purposely integrated with architecture until the late 1800’s. An architect could incorporate psychology by using Gestalt’s Principles, which consist of continuation, closure, proximity, figure/ground[15], and similarity. So when viewing a building a person will use their visual perception to find patterns in order to understand the building by using one or more of the principles (Lehman). In order for architecture to be balanced the elements have to be cohesive when they interact with each other.

Designing is not a profession but an attitude. Design has many connotations. It is the organization of materials and processes in the most productive way, in a harmonious balance of all elements necessary for a certain function. It is the integration of technological, social, and economical requirements, biological necessities, and the psychological effects of materials, shape, color, volume and space. Thinking in relationships (Laszlo Moholy-Nagy).

All areas of psychology are interested in the process of human behavior towards situations and objects. Modern day Architectural Psychology focuses on the relationship between behavior and environment in order to construct more practical and comfortable surroundings. Psychologist use fundamental psychology which is the perception of the environment, spatial cognition, and interaction between human and building (“American Psychology Association”). Our surroundings affect our moods, thoughts and behaviors. Sensory elements such as light, color, texture and scent mingle with our cultural associations and personal beliefs, allowing us to make sense of our surroundings (Weir). The change of psychology was more of a personal and thought provoking attitude in order to make the society better and it’s still improving today. Each country has its own traditions and culture with psychological connotation to the architecture. Through viewing the different areas around the world starting with the western culture then everything will come together.

WESTERN ARCHITECTURE

Western culture is represented in four main values which are individualism, happiness, rights, and capitalism and can be referred to as advanced culture (“Western Culture”).[16] Our culture has lead to modern civilization and is present in mostly all the nations of the world. Western culture is humanity’s culture because it is based on object reality and universal human nature (“Western Culture”).

The early 19th century was based on Roman and Greek architecture then the revival of the gothic architecture. Western architecture borrows different styles from around the world. The United States was known for its skyscraper architecture in the second half of the 19th century.[17] It symbolized the defeat of the styles by the growth of vertical architecture, which came to dominate the American urban environment (“Architecture: 19th Century”).

Thomas Jefferson was one of the architects that designed the Rotunda at the University of Virginia and it is one of the most important buildings in early American architecture (Appendix 2, Fig. 1). He wanted the building to be the heart of his community of scholars (“Jefferson’s Design”). He believed that interaction between scholars and students strengthens the pursuit of knowledge (“Jefferson’s Design”). Jefferson designed the building after the Pantheon in Rome and Rotunda became the focal point of the school.

Frank Gehry did many inspirational and amazing works during the 21st century, but one that stands out is the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles (Appendix 2, Fig. 2). It provides visual and aural intimacy for a fascinating musical experience (“Our Theaters”). The interior design allows for seating on all four sides in the auditorium in order to get the full experience from each view and wrapping the audience in (“Walt Disney”). American architecture is definitely unique and is still evolving by incorporating technology and former styles of architecture. European architecture has unique qualities as well and is most known because that is where the Beaux Art started and where most of the trends began.

HISTORY OF EUROPE

European culture was where intellectual creativity happened and all the new eras of architecture began. Functionalism was used with their buildings, which is the design of the building only for its purpose.[18] Then buildings started to have long horizontal lines which suggest speed, motion and urgency (“Western Architecture”).

In Paris the Arch de Triomphe was built from 1806-1830 by J.A. Raymond and J.F.T. Chalgrin (Appendix 3, Fig. 1). The size of the arch was chosen for a stronger impact for its elevated position (“Arc”). The columns with the giant statues purpose were to maintain proportion throughout the structure and the top part was emphasized in order to keep it from fading in with the clouds (“Arc”).

The Hermitage Plaza is the modern architectural example and it is two identical towers that stand at 1,017 feet which will become the tallest buildings in Europe (Appendix 3, Fig 2). It will consist of 93 story towers and multiple shops, cafes and a public plaza (Taylor). The purpose of the building was for the buildings to exhume new life and create new and innovative environment by the Seine River (Taylor).

In Spain architecture has changed over time as well; starting in the 19th century with the La Sagrada Familia which started in 1882 and has not been completed yet (Appendix 4, Fig.1). It symbolizes the revolutionary ideas that were appearing in Barcelona (“10 Facts”). The towers will consist of colorful mosaics and the cathedral’s number ones purpose is religious.

In the Hotel Marques de Riscal in Elciego, Spain shows its futuristic and 21st century skills through this building (Appendix 4, Fig 2). It was designed by Frank Gehry and he wanted to embrace the past with the surrounding villages which formed a medieval and futuristic outlook with the foil-like exterior (Jowaheer). The roof of the hotel is titanium and curvy and there are asymmetrical walls to evoke even more thoughts and emotions (Jowaheer). European architecture definitely had some interesting contributions to the world, but Asian architecture and culture have been around for centuries so they had a significant impact as well.

ASIAN CULTURE

Tradition and religion are the largest pieces to Asian culture and architecture. Their culture showcases their philosophical, material, and spiritual traditions (“Chinese Culture”). Social harmony is a key concept in Asian culture and it is shown through their buildings. Religion has influenced much of their culture as well and Buddhism is the predominant one. Asian traditions, values, and religion have influenced architecture in China and Japan.

China’s architecture is as old as Chinese civilization and contains its characteristics from prehistoric times to modern day. Their style has influenced other countries such as Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam.[19] During the early 20th century western methods started to transform the traditional Chinese architecture and started to combine them, but with not much success (“Chinese Culture”). The buildings consisted of clean lines, flat roofs, and used steel and glass (“Chinese Architecture History”). Chinese culture keeps the balance and unity of a building with the environment and nature.

The psychology behind Chinese architecture is based on balance and symmetry and is shown through houses, temples, and palaces.[20] There are usually two other structures on both sides in order to be seen as bilateral symmetry.[21] Enclosures were an important part because it connected all the buildings in that area. Hierarchy was shown through buildings because doors facing the front of the property were considered more important than those that faced the sides or the back (“Architecture”). Structures were built on a close heavy platform and a large roof in order to emphasize the visual impact of the width of the buildings.[22] Some examples of earlier architecture style were the Buddhist temples which included sweeping roofs that had rises at the corners and that purpose was because they believed that it helped ward off evil spirits which they believed to be straight lines ("Chinese Architecture").

Modern architecture in China now has new western ideas combined with its traditional style. China’s Central Television building is a tower that are two inverted “L’s” connected together and is different from the original designs of skyscrapers.[23] It catches people’s eyes from miles away since it is 234 meters high and has 52 floors above ground with 3 floors underground (Liyao). Also in Beijing the architect Paul Andreu designed the National Center for Performing Arts. It’s a curved building that features a titanium shell and emerges like an island at the center of a lake (Liyao). It is eye catching and an innovative design and provokes thought.

Japan is another Asian country that has influential architecture that showcases their culture and psychology. Japan remains a unique and vibrant culture, now dealing with the dynamic cultures of China and Korea as the history of East Asia continues to unfold (“Japanese History”).[24] Japanese architecture traditionally has wooden single-storey structures and linked a building’s interior design with its garden.

In the 19th century there was an influence of western architecture, so they started to build more two storey and taller houses. They also tried to combine traditional Japanese architecture with modernism by using columns and beams (Hiroyuki). The roofs are made of heavy timbers and wood and the interior has geometrically arranged rooms (Hiroyuki). Their architecture shows spatial organization and there 5 story Pagoda was built in the center of an open area (Appendix 6, Fig. 1). The 5 floors symbolized earth, wind, fire, water, and sky because various structures had the importance of nature (“Japanese Architecture”).

Modern architecture is greatly influenced by technology in Japan because now more architecture was leading toward long and tall skyscrapers. Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower contains 3 vocational schools located in Tokyo (Appendix 6, Fig. 2). It has an elliptic shape, with a criss-cross web of diagonal lines to embody the “cocoon” concept (“Cocoon Tower”). The purpose is for the students to be inspired to create, grow and transform while embraced within this cocoon form (“Cocoon Tower”). The students are able to be creative and it shows an innovative way for a school design. The architect has much responsibility by looking at the culture and psychology in order to design a building or structure that will have an impact in the world.

ARCHITECTS’

The Inhabitant had an interview with an architect, Steven Holl, which gave more insight on an architect’s perspective.[25] The interviewer, Diane Pham, asked how Mr. Holl would describe his signature style (“7 Questions”). Steven responded, “I believe that architecture needs to be completely anchored in its program and site. Its meaning must be so deeply rooted in the conditions of its inception that it’s unfazed by fashion… If architecture’s original concept can go deeper, rather than broader, it builds a meaning on the site (“7 Questions”).” Another question was that many of his fans would say that he designs his buildings with a strong focus on both user experience and natural light is this correct (“7 questions”)? Steven said, “Space is oblivion without light. A building speaks through the silence of perception orchestrated by light. Luminosity is as integral to its spatial experience as porosity is integral to urban experience… In magnificent spaces, light changes and appears to describe form (“7 Questions”).” Architects do think about spatial significance and the purpose of architecture is to have a deeper meaning than what is just seen.

The incorporation of the cultures history and some psychological movements in the architecture then the design of a building can be very inspirational. Everything comes together at the end to have a building that tells a story and can cause thought, which is the architects’ job from the beginning.

Conclusion

Throughout history, culture and psychology have changed and that has made architecture become more innovative. Buildings don’t just have a functional purpose any more there is also a deeper thought process that goes with designing buildings. A person’s culture and surroundings now have to come into account in order to make a lasting impression. A quote from Cedric Price said, “A greater awareness in architects and planners of their real value to society could, at the present, result in that rare occurrence, namely, the improvement of the quality of life as a result of architectural endeavor.” Future architecture should be a way to better people’s lives by incorporating psychology and cultural traditions.

Architects have a big responsibility, but a lot of present architecture includes traditions and styles from the past. The world is very diverse and just from the 19th century to present day the difference of style is prevalent. A lot of western ideas are spreading across the world, but every country has their own view on it and that is what makes everyone different. By understanding each culture then the architecture can tell a lot about that country. Through this process the changes throughout history became clear and showed how future architecture will incorporate a lot from the past.

The interior design is just as important as the exterior because colors and traditions can evoke emotions and feelings that the outside can’t. Everything has to come together to make one influential piece of art. Cultures impact on architecture is through their values and traditions while the psychological impact is the symmetry, balance, and spatial awareness in order to allow people more room for creativity and openness. The affect on architecture due to culture and psychology is very present over time and future architecture will have no boundaries only new approaches in designing buildings and structures.

Works Cited

"7 Questions with Architect Steven Holl." Interview by Diane Pham. Inhabitat. 24 July 2013. Web. 15 Dec. 2013. .

"10 Facts About La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona." Eye on Spain. Web. 15 Dec. 2013

"Arc De Triomphe." 19th-Century France. Web. 14 Dec. 2013.

"Architecture: 19th Century Architecture." Architecture: 19th Century Architecture. Web. 11 Dec. 2013.

"Brief Introduction to Chinese Architecture." China Tavel. Web. 11 Dec.

Cherry, Kendra. "Color Psychology." . Web. 14 Dec. 2013.

"Chinese Architecture." ThinkQuest. Oracle Foundation,Web. 09 Dec. 2013.

"Chinese Architecture History." Chinese Architecture History. Web. 11 Dec. 2013.

Chopra, Devyani. "Cultural Influences on Architecture." Academia.edu. Web. 05 Dec. 2013.

"Cocoon Tower Tokyo." Earchitect. Web. 01 Dec. 2013.

"Color: Meaning, Symbolism and Psychology." Archinomy. Web. 15 Dec. 2013.

"Cultural Color." Empowered By Color. Web. 14 Dec. 2013.

"Gestalt Psychology." Web. 15 Dec. 2013. .

"Japanese Architecture." Web. 12 Dec. 2013.

"Japanese History." Web. 10 Dec. 2013. .

"Jeffersons Design." The Rotunda, University of Virginia. Web. 14 Dec. 2013.

Jowaheer, Roshina. "Would You Sleep Here?" AOL Travel UK. Web. 15 Dec. 2013.

Lehman, Maria L. "Gestalt Principles in Architecture." Sensing Architecture. Web. 15 Dec. 2013.

Lehrer, Jonah. "The Psychology of Architecture." . Conde Nast Digital, 12 Apr. 2011. Web. 02 Dec. 2013.

Liyao, Lin. "Top 10 Modern Architecture Marvels." Beijing. 13 Sept. 2013. Web. 11 Dec. 2013.

"19th Century Architecture." Real Virtual. Web. 11 Dec. 2013.

"OUR THEATERS & CONCERT HALLS." Music Center. Web. 15 Dec. 2013.

"Quotes About Architecture." Goodreads. Web. 15 Dec. 2013.

Taylor, Adam. "These Two Enormous Skyscrapers Are The Parisian Plan To Show London Who's Boss." Business Insider. 9 Mar. 2012. Web. 15 Dec. 2013.

Tchi, Rodika. "Feng Shui History." . Web. 09 Dec. 2013.

"VASTU PURUSHA MANDALA." Architecture Ideas RSS. Web. 11 Dec. 2013.

Waite, John G. "Jefferson in the Round." The Architect's Newspaper. 20 May 2009. Web. 08 Dec. 2013.

"Walt Disney Concert Hall." WTTW Chicago Public Media. Web. 15 Dec. 2013.

"Western Architecture." European Architecture History. Web. 09 Dec. 2013.

"What Is Western Culture?" Western Culture Global. Web. 06 Dec. 2013.

"World Architecture Influenced by Culture." HubPages. Web. 11 Dec. 2013.

Appendix 1

Appendix 2

Appendix 3

Appendix 4

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Appendix 5

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Appendix 6

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[1] See quotes On Art and Architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright.

[2] Go to paragraph two for more use of Environmental Psychology.

[3] See page 2 for more information about Gestalt’s Principles.

[4] See the second section for more analysis of the article.

[5] The article also talks about American style as well as Renaissance and Victorian style.

[6] The architects wanted the center to provide many cultural activities during the case study.

[7] It gives another in-depth definition of culture and psychology.

[8] This quote incorporated the psychological and cultural aspect of architecture.

[9] Style was from 1890-1914 and is French for New style more information at .

[10] Shows a view of the PETRONAS Towers from every angle of the building.

[11] See more on the diversity of cultures affect on space in the article.

[12] See Part 3 for more information on the symbols associated with Feng shui.

[13] The Appendix will showcase the diagram with the gods in them.

[14] Also did an experiment seeing which people preferred a low or a high ceiling more on that in the article.

[15] The figure is the object while the ground is the surroundings.

[16] See Brief History for more information and where western culture is located.

[17] See Skyscraper Architecture section for more details.

[18] See section Beaux- Arts architecture and Functionalism for more information.

[19] Article goes in to depth about traditional Chinese architecture then to western ideas.

[20] Temples and palaces were the main expression of architecture during that time.

[21] Also give diagrams of the bilateral system in the article.

[22] Explains all aspects of a building in China.

[23] This website has many modern architectural structures in China.

[24] See Part 6 for modern to present Japan.

[25] Full interview is on the inhabitant website.

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Figure 1: Shows the positions of the 45 god’s who are holding down the Vastu Purusha and symbolize various aspects of life ("Vastu Purusha").

Figure 2: This figure shows where the rooms would be placed with respect to the Vastu Purusha.

Figure 1: The Rotunda at University of Virginia

Designed by Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Latrobe, and Robert Mills in 1822-1826, but It was later restored due to a fire, but they kept Jefferson’s ideals (“Jefferson’s Design”).

Figure 2: Walt Disney Concert Hall

Designed by Frank Gehry in 2003 in Los Angeles, California.

Figure 1: Arc de Triomphe

Built by J.A.

Raymond and J.F.T. Chalgrin from

1806 to 1830 and is the largest triumphal arch.

Figure 2: Hermitage Plaza

Each tower has 63 levels of apartments and they can see a panoramic view of the city.

Figure 1: La Sagrada Familia

Also known as the Holy Family Church and designed by Antoni Gaudi.

Figure 2: Hotel Marques de Riscal

Desgined by Frank Gehry in Elecigo, Spain.

Figure 1: Pavilion

This shows the sweeping roofs that most Chinese buildings had especially for religious purposes.

Figure 2: China Central Television(CCTV)

Designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas. This building is still under construction from a fire that occurred.

Figure 1: Five Story Pagodas

They are made out of wood in order to survive during earthquakes and are a symbol of strength.

Figure 2: Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower

The design is a new solution for school architecture, which it includes rectangular classrooms in a curved form (“Cocoon Tower”).

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