Classical buildings in cities like Barcelona or Madrid are characterized by their spaciousness. Architects placed great value on elements such as ample interior space and abundant natural light. Homes, especially the living room, were often a central hub for their inhabitants. It was (and still is) the place for family gatherings and social interaction, where many aspects of daily life took place. This is one of the main reasons for the high ceilings found in most homes in large cities.
According to Inu Lee , a Korean architect, “space is the only barrier to creativity for children (and adults).” Studies suggest that ceiling height can influence how people think and act . MIT Building 20 is a prime example. Originally conceived as a temporary solution, this building housed students and faculty from various departments. Due to its temporary nature, the interior design was unplanned, resulting in open and loosely defined spaces. This lack of physical divisions facilitated encounters and interaction among people from different disciplines, fostering strong interdepartmental relationships and collaborations that enhanced the flow of knowledge.
Ceiling height influences us more than we think
“Ceiling height shapes our creative capacity ,” the Korean architect asserted. When imagining and thinking in a room, the walls and ceiling act as visual barriers. A spacious place with a high ceiling is perceived as freer and allows the brain to explore a wider range of possibilities. Furthermore, open areas allow for more natural light , as can be seen in the high balconies of cities like Barcelona or Madrid.
It's not just ceiling height that influences how we act and think. Architect Inu Lee also speaks of the importance of furniture, especially flexible and modular furniture . Regardless of the work area, movable furniture can help us gain spaciousness and create ideal areas for design. This adds versatility and multiplies the possibilities for using the same space. For example, a dining room can easily be transformed into a library, a party room, or even a small home theater. It's the same space with different functions, like Peter Parker and Spider-Man in their movies: same place, different costume.
Apartments built at the end of the last century and today have lost the classic height that allowed for abundant natural light. The optimization of space to accommodate more apartments has led to a decrease in ceiling height in most buildings. Despite this, there are many ways to adapt the space to foster creativity, regardless of the room's height.
With the evolution of construction trends towards resource optimization, we don't always have the power to choose the size of our living room or the amount of natural light we receive, but we can still take care of the design and maintain the quality of our home's interior. Keeping our spaces well-maintained and appropriately designed is fundamental to establishing a good relationship with our surroundings and shaping our way of acting and thinking.
Source: https://www.arquitecturaydiseno.es/
Photo: https://canalhogar.com/
