How architecture uses space, light and material to affect your mood

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Renton public library, Washington, by the Miller Hull Partnership “Buildings and urban spaces should be designed first and foremost around their occupants,” says Dr Sergio Altomonte, architect and associate professor in the department of architecture and built environment at the Nottingham university. “The importance of architecture as a trigger to physical, physiological and psychological wellbeing is nowadays becoming a topic of significant relevance.” Architect Lynn Grossman, AIA chair and Library Awards jury member, believes that the award-winning libraries were built with this in mind “The libraries all are exciting, engaging and comfortable places to spend a morning, an afternoon or an evening,” she says. “Light certainly has a physiological impact on people,” says Dr Alan Lewis, a lecturer in architecture at Manchester university. “‘Negative’ spaces are never deliberately constructed,” says Dr Raymond Lucas, head of architecture at the Manchester university, adding: “Building design is complex, and it is impossible to predict everything about a space before it is built.” Essentially, the power a building has over a person is limited.