Aesthetics, Well-being and Health: Essays within Architecture and Environmental Aesthetics: Essays within Architecture and Environmental Aesthetics

Architecture and environmental aesthetics have a significant impact on our well-being and health, but they are often overlooked in everyday life. This book brings together professionals and academics to discuss how aesthetics affect us emotionally and physically, challenging the common belief that environmental beauty is a matter of personal taste. It covers a wide range of concepts and highlights the importance of engaging in aesthetic ethics and creating aesthetically pleasing environments for today's society.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Architecture and environmental aesthetics play a significant role in our daily lives, yet they are often overlooked in discussions about well-being and health. This intriguing volume brings together professionals from architecture, planning, urban design, and social policy with academics from both humanities and social sciences to provide a comprehensive and insightful exploration of how aesthetics affect us emotionally and physically. The essays challenge the common belief that environmental beauty is a matter of personal taste and highlight the importance of engaging in aesthetic ethics and creating aesthetically pleasing environments.

The book covers a wide range of concepts, including place identity, multi-sensuous and emotional processes, geometrical order and controlled space, architectural plasticity, aesthetically real and virtual values, participative design processes, ethics in architecture, and beauty and happiness. It emphasizes the need for today's society to prioritize aesthetic ethics and to recognize the significance of creating environments that promote well-being and happiness.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of place identity. Place identity refers to the sense of belonging and attachment that individuals have to a particular place, and it can have a significant impact on their emotional and physical well-being. The essays explore how place identity is shaped by various factors, such as history, culture, and geography, and how it can be enhanced through design. For example, a well-designed public space can create a sense of community and belonging, while a poorly designed space can create feelings of isolation and anxiety.

Multi-sensuous and emotional processes are also discussed in the book. These processes involve the interaction of multiple senses, such as sight, sound, touch, and smell, and they can have a profound impact on our emotional and physical well-being. The essays explore how these processes can be used in design to create environments that are more engaging and memorable. For example, a well-designed garden can evoke feelings of tranquility and relaxation, while a well-designed museum can stimulate curiosity and creativity.

Geometrical order and controlled space are also important concepts in the book. Geometrical order refers to the arrangement of elements in a space in a way that is visually pleasing and harmonious. Controlled space refers to the use of space to create a sense of privacy and intimacy. The essays explore how geometrical order and controlled space can be used in design to create environments that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. For example, a well-designed office can create a sense of productivity and efficiency, while a well-designed home can create a sense of comfort and relaxation.

Architectural plasticity is another important concept in the book. Architectural plasticity refers to the ability of buildings to change and adapt over time. The essays explore how architectural plasticity can be used in design to create environments that are more sustainable and resilient. For example, a building that is designed to be energy-efficient can reduce its carbon footprint and save money on energy bills.

Aesthetically real and virtual values are also discussed in the book. Aesthetically real values refer to the physical qualities of a building, such as its shape, color, and texture. Aesthetically virtual values refer to the emotional qualities of a building, such as its sense of place and its ability to evoke feelings. The essays explore how these values can be used in design to create environments that are both visually appealing and emotionally meaningful.

Participative design processes are also discussed in the book. Participative design processes involve the involvement of individuals in the design process. The essays explore how participative design processes can be used to create environments that are more responsive to the needs and desires of individuals. For example, a community-based design project can involve individuals in the design of a park or a playground, and the resulting design can be more effective and sustainable.

Ethics in architecture are also discussed in the book. Ethics in architecture refers to the ethical principles that guide the practice of architecture. The essays explore how ethics in architecture can be used to create environments that are more socially responsible and sustainable. For example, a building that is designed to be environmentally friendly can reduce its impact on the environment and improve the quality of life for individuals.

Beauty and happiness are also discussed in the book. Beauty and happiness are two of the most important aspects of life, and they can be enhanced through design. The essays explore how beauty and happiness can be used in design to create environments that are both visually appealing and emotionally meaningful. For example, a well-designed garden can create a sense of beauty and tranquility, while a well-designed home can create a sense of happiness and comfort.

In conclusion, architecture and environmental aesthetics play a significant role in our daily lives, yet they are often overlooked in discussions about well-being and health. This intriguing volume brings together professionals from architecture, planning, urban design, and social policy with academics from both humanities and social sciences to provide a comprehensive and insightful exploration of how aesthetics affect us emotionally and physically. The essays challenge the common belief that environmental beauty is a matter of personal taste and highlight the importance of engaging in aesthetic ethics and creating aesthetically pleasing environments. By prioritizing aesthetic ethics and creating aesthetically pleasing environments, we can create a more sustainable and resilient society that promotes well-being and happiness for all individuals.

ISBN-13: 9781138723931