The specialist spoke about the role of architecture in reducing stress.

Architecture directly affects our inner state — and this is the main tool in the hands of an architect. The majestic spaces of temples, parliaments or town halls look up and direct thoughts to something more. On the contrary, chamber bars, lounges or private rooms create an atmosphere of comfort and security. Georgy Karpenko, an architect at Architecture Plus Information (Perkins & Will) in New York, told Izvestia on September 26.

Each space generates certain emotions: It can inspire or relax, help us focus, or, conversely, deprive us of energy. A poorly designed environment — dark corridors without lights, offices of the same type, hospital interiors with intrusive smells and colors — causes irritation and makes it difficult to think clearly. But once you change the light, air, color, or texture, the same space begins to work for a person, making their stay in it meaningful and enjoyable.

"Spaces not only give the emotion of "here and now", but also form stable patterns.: how we work and relax, how we communicate, how much we move and how we breathe. First of all, health technologies. Air exchange, natural light, acoustics, thermal comfort are not "suites", but a factor of cognitive performance," said the architect.

Karpenko noted that research in the field of healthy buildings (buildings that positively affect health and productivity) shows a direct link between the quality of the environment and the ability to concentrate, make decisions and learn. For businesses, this is the language of numbers: improving ventilation and light pays off in productivity.

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Let's recall the faceless "cubicles" of American corporations in the middle of the 20th century. They saved space, but they broke people down, making work a chore. As Karpenko added, Google campuses in California or Airbnb offices make a completely different impression, where each room looks more like a cozy cafe or art space. Light, flexibility of workplaces, the opportunity to retire or socialize — all this directly increases productivity.

In addition, Harvard scientists have shown that office workers who work near living plants experience 15% less stress and show increased creativity. Karpenko said that the vertical gardens of Patrick Blanc in Paris or the "green walls" in Singapore have become symbols of a new approach to architecture. This is biophilic design — the desire to restore to man the lost connection with nature.

In addition, architects and psychologists agree on one thing: space can be therapeutic. We need not only walls, but also an environment where we feel better than before we entered.

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As the expert noted, today the architect is the creator of the user experience. This experience is formed through the narrative of the states that a person lives within the space. If the story told by architecture is interesting, thought out and built with attention to detail, a person will feel harmonious and confident.

"If mistakes are made in the design, the environment begins to depress and interfere with a full life. In order for people to live in spaces that inspire, calm and help them work productively, architecture must create new, deep and exciting narratives in which a person becomes the main character," concluded Karpenko.

Earlier, on September 18, BBC Science Daily magazine called afternoon fatigue a natural part of the body's biological rhythms. According to the publication, the human body is programmed to feel low energy levels at certain times of the day.

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