“Architecture is shaped by human emotions and desires, and then becomes a setting for further emotions and desires. It goes from the animate and inanimate and back again. For this reason it is always incomplete, or rather is only completed by the lives in and around it. It is background.”

― Rowan Moore, Why We Build

Architecture can have a significant influence on human emotions. Here are some ways in which architecture can impact our emotional experiences:

Aesthetics and Beauty: Architectural design can evoke emotions through its visual appeal. The use of proportion, symmetry, colors, and materials can create a sense of harmony and beauty, which can evoke positive emotions like joy, calmness, and appreciation.

1. Fallingwater – Pennsylvania, USA (Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright)
2. Villa Savoye – Poissy, France (Designed by Le Corbusier)
3. Sydney Opera House – Sydney, Australia (Designed by Jørn Utzon)
4. Salk Institute for Biological Studies – California, USA (Designed by Louis Kahn)
5. Centre Pompidou – Paris, France (Designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers)
6. National Congress of Brazil – Brasília, Brazil (Designed by Oscar Niemeyer)
7. Seattle Central Library – Seattle, USA (Designed by Rem Koolhaas)
8. Institute of Contemporary Art – Boston, USA (Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro)
9. Millau Viaduct – Millau, France (Designed by Norman Foster)
10. TWA Flight Center – New York, USA (Designed by Eero Saarinen)
11. Sumela Monastery – Trabzon: Located on a cliff in northeastern Turkey, Sumela Monastery is a Byzantine structure known for its dramatic location and use of local materials. The monastery is carved into the rock face and features stone construction, integrating with the natural textures of the surroundings.

Spatial Layout and Functionality: The arrangement of spaces within a building or a public space can affect how people feel and interact. Well-designed spaces that are intuitive, organized, and provide easy navigation can create a sense of comfort and efficiency. In contrast, poorly designed spaces with confusing layouts can lead to frustration or anxiety.

1. The Great Pyramid of Giza – Egypt
2. St. Peter’s Basilica – Vatican City
3. Burj Khalifa – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
4. Taj Mahal – Agra, India
5. The Colosseum – Rome, Italy
6. Angkor Wat – Siem Reap, Cambodia
7. The Parthenon – Athens, Greece
8. Sagrada Familia – Barcelona, Spain
9. Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) – London, UK
10. Sydney Opera House – Sydney, Australia
11. Neuschwanstein Castle – Bavaria, Germany
12. Louvre Pyramid – Paris, France
13. CN Tower – Toronto, Canada
14. Empire State Building – New York City, USA
15. Mount Rushmore National Memorial – South Dakota, USA

Scale and Proportion: The scale of a building or space can influence emotions. Grand, imposing structures can inspire awe and a sense of wonder, while intimate and cozy spaces can evoke feelings of warmth and security.

1. The Great Pyramid of Giza – Egypt
2. St. Peter’s Basilica – Vatican City
3. Burj Khalifa – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
4. Taj Mahal – Agra, India
5. The Colosseum – Rome, Italy
6. Angkor Wat – Siem Reap, Cambodia
7. The Parthenon – Athens, Greece
8. Sagrada Familia – Barcelona, Spain
9. Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) – London, UK
10. Sydney Opera House – Sydney, Australia
11. Neuschwanstein Castle – Bavaria, Germany
12. Louvre Pyramid – Paris, France
13. CN Tower – Toronto, Canada
14. Empire State Building – New York City, USA
15. Mount Rushmore National Memorial – South Dakota, USA

These buildings demonstrate an impressive sense of scale, whether through their towering heights, grand proportions, or monumental presence. They showcase the ability of architecture to create awe-inspiring spaces that leave a lasting impact on those who experience them.

Use of Materials and Textures: Different materials and textures used in architecture can evoke different emotional responses. For example, warm, natural materials like wood can create a sense of comfort and homeliness, while sleek, reflective surfaces may generate a more modern and dynamic atmosphere.

1. Casa Milà (La Pedrera) – Barcelona, Spain (Designed by Antoni Gaudí)
2. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao – Bilbao, Spain (Designed by Frank Gehry)
3. Sydney Opera House – Sydney, Australia (Designed by Jørn Utzon)
4. Sagrada Familia – Barcelona, Spain (Designed by Antoni Gaudí)
5. The Louvre Pyramid – Paris, France (Designed by I. M. Pei)
6. Burj Khalifa – Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Designed by Adrian Smith)
7. Fallingwater – Pennsylvania, USA (Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright)
8. Sheikh Zayed Mosque – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
9. Walt Disney Concert Hall – Los Angeles, USA (Designed by Frank Gehry)
10. Lotus Temple – New Delhi, India

These buildings showcase a variety of materials and textures, ranging from organic and sculptural forms to sleek and reflective surfaces. The innovative use of materials such as stone, glass, steel, and concrete helps create visually stunning architectural compositions and unique tactile experiences.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance: Architecture often reflects the cultural, historical, and symbolic values of a society. Buildings and spaces that hold cultural significance or convey meaningful messages can evoke emotions related to identity, pride, or nostalgia.

1. The Great Wall of China – China
2. The Pyramids of Giza – Egypt
3. The Taj Mahal – Agra, India
4. The Parthenon – Athens, Greece
5. Notre-Dame Cathedral – Paris, France
6. Angkor Wat – Siem Reap, Cambodia
7. The Great Mosque of Mecca – Saudi Arabia
8. The Sydney Opera House – Sydney, Australia
9. The Alhambra – Granada, Spain
10. The Forbidden City – Beijing, China
11. The Acropolis of Athens – Greece
12. The Golden Temple – Amritsar, India
13. The Brandenburg Gate – Berlin, Germany
14. The Statue of Liberty – New York City, USA
15. Hagia Sophia – Istanbul: Originally built as a Byzantine cathedral, it later became an Ottoman imperial mosque and is now a museum. Hagia Sophia is an iconic symbol of the cultural and religious heritage of Istanbul and represents the merging of Byzantine and Islamic architectural styles.
16. Topkapi Palace – Istanbul: It served as the main residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Topkapi Palace is a symbol of the grandeur and power of the Ottoman Empire, and it houses a vast collection of artifacts, including treasures, manuscripts, and Islamic relics.
17. Ephesus – Selçuk: An ancient city in Turkey, Ephesus is renowned for its well-preserved ruins, including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Temple of Artemis. It holds immense historical and archaeological significance, representing the grandeur of the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.
18. Cappadocia – Central Anatolia: The unique rock formations and underground cities of Cappadocia are not only breathtaking but also have cultural and historical importance. The region’s rock-cut churches and cave dwellings reflect the centuries-old settlement and monastic life in the area.
19. Süleymaniye Mosque – Istanbul: Built during the Ottoman Empire, Süleymaniye Mosque is an architectural masterpiece designed by the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. It stands as a symbol of Ottoman architectural achievements and serves as a significant religious and cultural site.
20. Ani – Kars: Ani is an ancient Armenian city located near the border of Turkey and Armenia. The ruins of Ani contain churches, cathedrals, and other structures, reflecting the historical and cultural diversity of the region.
21. Göbekli Tepe – Şanlıurfa: An ancient archaeological site, Göbekli Tepe is renowned for its monumental stone pillars. The site features large limestone pillars intricately carved with animal reliefs and symbols, representing one of the earliest examples of monumental architecture.

These architectural landmarks hold cultural, historical, or religious significance and are often recognized as symbols of their respective countries or civilizations. They represent the rich heritage, beliefs, and aspirations of different cultures, and visiting these sites can provide insights into their historical and cultural context.

Acoustics: The sound environment within a space can influence emotions. Considerations such as the level of background noise, echo, or the quality of sound insulation can affect people’s comfort, concentration, and overall well-being.

1. Concertgebouw – Amsterdam, Netherlands
2. Sydney Opera House – Sydney, Australia
3. Musikverein – Vienna, Austria
4. Walt Disney Concert Hall – Los Angeles, USA
5. Suntory Hall – Tokyo, Japan
6. Royal Albert Hall – London, UK
7. Elbphilharmonie – Hamburg, Germany
8. Teatro alla Scala – Milan, Italy
9. Boston Symphony Hall – Boston, USA
10. Palau de la Música Catalana – Barcelona, Spain
11. Aspendos Theatre – Antalya: This ancient Roman theater, built in the 2nd century AD, is renowned for its exceptional acoustics. The design of the theater allows for excellent sound propagation, making it an ideal venue for concerts and performances.
12. Süleymaniye Mosque – Istanbul: The Süleymaniye Mosque, designed by the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, features a domed prayer hall with excellent acoustics. The interior space allows for clear and resonant sound, enhancing the experience of prayer and spiritual gatherings.

These buildings have been designed and built with careful attention to sound reflection, diffusion, and reverberation. The architectural features and materials used contribute to the clarity and richness of the sound, creating an immersive and enjoyable acoustic experience for performances and concerts.

It is important to note that individual experiences and personal preferences can also play a role in how architecture influences emotions. Different people may respond differently to the same architectural features based on their unique backgrounds, cultural contexts, and personal experiences.