Emotional architecture and how to create spaces that connect with emotions

Architecture is not just a matter of structure and design but also of emotions. Every space has the power to influence our mood, productivity, and even mental health. Emotional architecture is a discipline focused on creating environments that not only meet functional needs but also deeply connect with the emotions of those who inhabit them.

In this post, we will explore the fundamental principles of emotional architecture and how we can design spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also resonate with our deepest emotions, promoting calm, inspiration, and connection. Through key strategies, we will discover how well-designed spaces can transform our daily experience, creating environments that nourish both the mind and the heart. Let’s get started!

What is emotional architecture?

Emotional architecture is a concept that refers to the design of spaces and environments aimed at deeply connecting with the emotions of those who inhabit them. Beyond functionality or aesthetics, emotional architecture emphasizes how elements of a space—light, color, materials, textures, and object arrangement—can influence our well-being, mood, and behavior.

This approach recognizes that architectural environments have a direct impact on our emotions and, therefore, our quality of life. Designers who adopt this approach seek to create places that evoke specific sensations, such as calm, happiness, creativity, or concentration. For example, an office can be designed to encourage productivity and collaboration, while a home can be oriented toward relaxation and comfort.

The concept is also based on the idea that architecture can enhance mental and emotional health by creating environments that resonate with the deepest human needs and desires. Instead of merely addressing functional needs, emotional architecture strives to design spaces that make us feel something, connecting us with ourselves and others in a more meaningful way.

In short, emotional architecture aims to make spaces not just places to live or work but settings that enhance our daily experiences and emotions, improving our connection with the environment and with one another. For example, biophilic design is intended to promote the inclusion of natural elements in décor, helping to improve our well-being.

Basic principles of emotional architecture

Emotional architecture is based on several fundamental principles that seek to create spaces that deeply connect with people's emotions. These principles are essential for designing environments that are not only functional but also generate positive emotional experiences. Below are some of them:

1.- Light as an emotional element. Light has a direct impact on how we feel in a space. When properly optimized, natural light can create a sense of well-being, freshness, and connection with the outdoors. Artificial light, on the other hand, can shape the atmosphere through intensity, color, and direction, creating a warm and cozy ambiance or a cooler, more modern feel. Lighting design should consider both the emotional and functional needs of the space.

2.- Biophilic design. Incorporating natural elements, such as plants, organic materials, water, or views of the outdoors, helps to create an emotional connection with nature. This principle of biophilia aims to enhance people’s psychological well-being by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Spaces that integrate nature tend to evoke feelings of peace and serenity.

3.- The use of colors. As we detailed in our color guide, colors have an undeniable psychological power. Each hue can provoke different emotions, and their proper use in architecture can significantly influence the mood of those who inhabit a space. For example, blue or green tones are associated with calm, while red or orange tones can increase energy or creativity. Color should be used strategically to evoke desired emotions and sensations.

4.- Texture and materials. Materials and textures play a crucial role in how we perceive a space. Soft, warm, and natural materials (such as wood or cotton) tend to create feelings of comfort and familiarity, while cold, hard materials (like metal or concrete) can create a more impersonal or industrial atmosphere. The choice of materials also affects acoustics, temperature, and tactile sensations, which can influence emotional well-being.

5.- Space layout (flow and scale). How elements are organized within a space can impact how we feel when we are in it. A well-designed space should allow for adequate movement flow and facilitate social interaction or privacy, depending on the case. The proportions and scale of the elements are also crucial; a space that is too large can feel empty or overwhelming, while a very small one may feel claustrophobic. Balance in dimensions is key to generating emotional harmony.

6.- Personalization and identity. A space that reflects the personality or interests of its inhabitants can generate a stronger emotional connection. Whether through decorative details, the use of personal items, or the inclusion of elements that resonate with cultural or personal identity, a space that feels authentic and unique tends to generate a greater sense of belonging and comfort.

7.- Acoustics and sound. Sound can greatly influence our emotions. A quiet and peaceful space can foster concentration and relaxation, while a noisy environment can create stress and distraction. Acoustic design plays a fundamental role in creating an emotionally healthy environment, using elements that absorb sound or, in some cases, incorporating pleasant sounds like water or soft music to enhance the atmosphere.

8.- Temporality and change. Emotional architecture also takes into account how a space can transform throughout the day or seasons. Changes in light, views, or temperature can alter the emotional atmosphere of a place. Spaces that allow for a smooth adaptation to these changes tend to have a positive impact, as they naturally respond to people’s changing emotional needs.

9.- A sense of safety and comfort. Spaces should convey a sense of shelter, of protection, so that those who inhabit them feel comfortable and secure. Emotional security is built through visual protection, familiarity of elements, and the use of materials that evoke warmth and closeness. This sense of refuge is essential for promoting psychological well-being and emotional connection with the space.

10.- Social interaction and a sense of community. Well-designed spaces should facilitate interaction among people, promoting socialization and a sense of community. This is especially relevant in places like homes, offices, or public spaces, where human relationships are fundamental. The arrangement of furniture, rest areas, and meeting corners can help strengthen social bonds and improve collective well-being.

The impact of spaces on emotional state

As we have already begun to analyze, architecture not only serves the function of housing our daily activities but also shapes our emotions and perceptions. A well-designed space can inspire calm, creativity, or energy, while a chaotic or monotonous one can generate anxiety and stress. This is because the relationship between the physical environment and human psychology is deeply rooted in our sensory experience. Light, color, texture, layout, and scale of spaces influence how we feel and behave within them.

Since ancient times, architects have sought to capture the essence of emotion in their constructions, creating environments that evoke specific sensations. Today, the concept of emotional architecture has become a priority for designers and urban planners, who strive to build spaces that are not only functional but also provide emotional well-being to their occupants.

Relationship between space and emotion

Architectural design has a profound impact on human psychology. The layout of spaces, natural lighting, choice of materials and colors, as well as the relationship with the external environment, are key factors in the user's emotional perception. A space with high ceilings and large windows can create a sense of freedom and spaciousness, while one with narrow hallways and little light can evoke feelings of oppression or discomfort.

Moreover, the connection between architecture and emotion is reinforced through memory and personal experience. People associate certain types of spaces with specific memories and moods. For example, a house with wooden elements and warm lighting may evoke childhood memories and create a sense of security and comfort. On the other hand, an office with cool tones, artificial lighting, and rigid structures can induce stress and fatigue.

For this reason, architects and designers have developed methodologies based on environmental psychology to optimize the emotional experience in built spaces. These methodologies include, as we have mentioned, biophilia, which promotes a connection with nature by integrating natural elements into architecture, and sensory design, which aims to stimulate the senses through the selection of materials, colors, and shapes that evoke positive emotional responses.

Examples of emotional architecture in history

Throughout history, numerous architects have developed unique approaches to connecting architecture with human emotions. From the serenity of minimalism to the majesty of the spiritual, each creator has left their mark on the world through their designs. Some of the most iconic examples of emotional architecture include the work of Tadao Ando, Luis Barragán, and Mathias Goeritz, who have demonstrated how space can be transformed into a sensory and emotional experience.

The minimalism of Tadao Ando

Tadao Ando is a master of architectural minimalism and a key figure in designing spaces that evoke calm and contemplation. His architecture is characterized by the use of exposed concrete, the integration of natural light, and the interaction between structure and emptiness. His constructions do not seek to impress with ornaments or superfluous details but rather to generate sensations through the purity of materials and the harmony of volumes.

One of his most representative projects is the Church of the Light in Japan. In this space, Ando uses a simple concrete block pierced by a cross of light, creating a mystical and spiritual atmosphere. Natural lighting becomes the protagonist, changing throughout the day and transforming the user’s experience with each variation of light. This use of minimalism is not only aesthetically striking but also invites introspection and an emotional connection with the space.

Spirituality in the works of Luis Barragán

Luis Barragán is one of the most influential architects in Mexico and the world, recognized for his ability to merge architecture and emotion through the use of color, light, and spatial composition. His work carries a strong spiritual and poetic essence, conveying serenity, introspection, and even a sense of mysticism.

One of his most iconic projects is the Luis Barragán House and Studio, where light and color become the protagonists of the sensory experience. His vibrant-colored walls, combined with the dimness of certain spaces, create a dynamic that evokes feelings of retreat and contemplation. Additionally, Barragán integrated nature into his designs, using gardens, fountains, and reflecting pools to foster tranquility and a connection with the environment.

His architecture demonstrates that spaces can evoke profound emotions without the need for excessive ornamentation, but rather through the precise use of essential elements. For Barragán, architecture was not only meant to be functional but also capable of moving people and generating a genuine emotional response in those who inhabit or visit it.

Mathias Goeritz and his influence

Mathias Goeritz, a German-born artist and architect who settled in Mexico, took the concept of emotional architecture to a new level through his expressionist and symbolic approach. Goeritz believed that buildings should be more than mere utilitarian structures; they should convey feelings and stimulate the imagination of those who experience them.

One of his most representative projects is Las Torres de Satélite, a sculptural-architectural ensemble created in collaboration with architect Luis Barragán. These towering, vibrantly colored structures do not serve a traditional practical function but create an immediate visual and emotional impact. Their vertical composition and relationship with the sky convey a sense of grandeur and elevation, demonstrating how architecture can transcend its utilitarian purpose to become an emotional and artistic experience.

Goeritz also promoted the idea of "emotional architecture" through his writings and teaching, influencing generations of architects and artists. His legacy is proof that the design of spaces not only affects our perception of the world but also our mood and the way we relate to the built environment.

Modern applications of emotional architecture

Emotional architecture in residential design

Modern homes aim to foster emotional well-being by incorporating natural light, warm materials, and flexible spaces that adapt to the changing needs of their inhabitants. Houses designed with biophilic elements, such as indoor gardens and large windows, enhance the connection with nature and help reduce stress.

Public spaces that inspire emotion

Plazas, parks, and cultural buildings can have a significant emotional impact on communities. A notable example is the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, designed by Frank Gehry. Its avant-garde, fluid structure has revitalized the city and transformed its identity. The museum’s curvilinear design and its interaction with light and water create a unique sensory experience for visitors.

Emotional architecture and sustainability

Sustainable design focuses not only on energy efficiency but also on the emotional well-being of its occupants. A remarkable example is the Bosco Verticale in Milan, designed by Stefano Boeri. This residential tower complex incorporates more than 900 trees and thousands of plants, improving air quality and providing a relaxing environment for its residents while also promoting urban biodiversity. And it is one of the inspirations behind one of our latest collections: Milano.

The role of tiles in emotional architecture

Tiles have the ability to transform a space not only aesthetically but also emotionally. Thanks to their variety of textures, finishes, and colors, they allow for the creation of environments that evoke different sensations. Geometric patterns can generate dynamism and visual movement, while more organic and fluid designs convey tranquility and harmony.

In residential settings, tiles can add a sense of warmth and comfort when combined with earthy tones or matte finishes. In commercial or public spaces, vibrant colors and reflective surfaces can create dynamism and energy. Additionally, the use of mosaics and traditional motifs in interior and exterior design helps connect with cultural memory and local identity, reinforcing a sense of belonging and familiarity for those who inhabit these spaces.

Another key aspect of tiles is their ability to interact with light. Glossy finishes reflect both natural and artificial light, creating brighter and more dynamic spaces. In contrast, matte tiles absorb light, generating a cozier and more serene atmosphere. This versatility makes them an ideal resource for adapting spaces to the emotions one wishes to evoke.

Beyond their visual impact, tiles also influence the tactile perception of spaces. Rough textures can evoke a sense of rusticity and connection with nature, while smooth, polished surfaces convey modernity and elegance. This combination of visual and tactile stimuli allows spaces to be perceived in a richer and more sensory way.

An example of the application of tiles in emotional architecture is the use of mosaics in places of worship or meditation spaces. In many cultures, tiles have been used to adorn temples, mosques, and sanctuaries, creating a visual impact that enhances the spirituality of the place. An iconic case is the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, where the intricate blue and turquoise tile patterns create an atmosphere of peace and contemplation.

Finally, tiles are also a key element in sustainable design, as their durability and ease of maintenance make them an eco-friendly option. By reflecting light and helping regulate indoor temperatures, they contribute to the energy efficiency of buildings, promoting a more sustainable architecture without compromising the beauty and emotional impact of designed spaces.

Emotional architecture is an approach that places the well-being and sensory connection of people with their environment at the center of its design. Through light, color, materials, and spatial layout, it is possible to create environments that promote tranquility, creativity, or introspection. Historical and contemporary examples show that architecture is not just a functional matter but also an emotional language capable of profoundly influencing those who inhabit it.