Module 1:

The Emotional Architecture of Space

Lesson 1:

The Impact of Poorly-Conceived Design

In this lesson, we’ll evaluate the effect that early 20th century modernism had on the fate of architecture and design, considering how its characteristics and efficiencies led to an economic model that exploited the very best intentions of the modernist movement.

Lesson 2:

The Impact of Human-Centered Design

In this lesson, we'll explore some of the basic concepts that environmental psychology has identified as being the most impactful on the human experience in architectural space.

Module 2:

Our Evolved Mind

Lesson 1:

Brain Structure & Function

This lesson delves deep into the anatomy and structure of the brain, breaking down how various regions are responsible for processing sensory information and emotions. We investigate how various regions of the brain govern decision-making, rational thought, and spatial memory, influencing how we navigate and remember physical spaces.

Lesson 2:

Evolution of the Mammalian Brain

In this lesson, we travel back in time to understand how our ancestors evolved to respond to their environments. We examine the significance of biophilia — the innate human affinity for nature — and how it’s rooted in our evolutionary past.

Lesson 3:

Stress, Fatigue & Restoration

This lesson brings us into the present, examining the psychological effects of modern environments, particularly in relation to stress, cognitive fatigue and restoration. By the end of this lesson, you’ll understand how thoughtful design can alleviate stress and enhance focus, creativity, and overall mental well-being.

Module 3:

Sense of Space

Lesson 1:

Cognitive Mapping

In this lesson, you'll learn how our minds respond to cities; you'll develop the skills to cognitively map your surroundings, enriching your experience of the urban environment.

Lesson 2:

Scale & Proportion

In this lesson, we’ll explore what scale and proportion really are, how they affect our experience in space and how you might alter your own – perhaps, imperfect spaces – in ways that will improve cognition, creativity and more.

Lesson 3:

Enclosure & Exposure

In this lesson, we’ll explore the qualities of space that make us feel safe, protected, confident, creative and ready to tackle a challenge, and end the lesson with exactly how to achieve these results.

Lesson 4:

Pattern Recognition

In this lesson, we'll uncover fascinating learnings from behavioral psychology, about how the way we see and seek out pattern in space is what often stimulates the subconscious response known as our “fight or flight” or “rest and digest” systems.

Lesson 5:

Geometry & Line

In this lesson, we’ll discuss how different geometrical forms and their contours can affect how a viewer experiences a space, drawing them in or repelling them.

Lesson 6:

Light & Color

In this lesson, we'll explore how these two inextricably linked qualities can alter a space’s ambience but also its ability to support our circadian rhythm’s, our creativity and concentration, and much more, as you’ll soon learn.

Module 4:

Perceiving Spaces Differently

Lesson 1:

Sensory-Motor Systems

In this lesson, we'll explore the physical experience you have in a space. We each have a Dominant Sense which overrides our other senses and influences our unique experience in space. You'll learn what yours is and how to tailor your spaces to it.

Lesson 2:

Knowledge-Meaning Systems

In this lesson, we'll discuss how we all vary in our intellectual experience of a space. Whether through your memories or education, the way you "read" architectural spaces will be very different from others.

Lesson 3:

Emotion-Valuation Systems

In this final lesson, we’ll explore your emotional experience of space, based on your unique personality. In this lesson, you will learn the five facets of your personality that determine your preferences in design and ultimately how to create spaces that are psychologically-attuned to you.