Creating emotionally resonant spaces through form and flow

Gagandeep Kapila

Architecture is the arrangement of experience along with form and function. Every hallway, window, and ceiling height has an impact on our thoughts, feelings, and movements. Our perception of space determines the emotional influence of architectural surroundings, which can be either comforting, energising, or unsettling. Depending on the architect’s design decisions, a person’s emotional reaction upon entering a room can change. Additionally, these emotional reactions may also be impacted by widely accepted psychological concepts. This transformation from structure to experience occurs through the deliberate shaping of form and the spatial flow. In this article, lets delve into the idea of creating emotionally resonant spaces through form and flow.

Flow in architecture refers to the rhythm and pace at which a user journeys through space. Flow governs circulation, how one enters, pauses, and exits. A well-considered spatial flow creates a sense of intuitive movement, ease, and clarity; a poor one can frustrate or disorient. Additionally, transitional elements like foyers, corridors, or even a change in ceiling height can act as emotional buffers, preparing the user for a different experience. For instance, in a residential design, increasing heights in ceiling design can create visual zones and flow of the space.

Form is the overall arrangement of the space. Grand proportions can inspire awe and reverence. Conversely, intimate scales promote comfort and reflection. Geometry, especially sacred geometry, has long been used to evoke emotional and spiritual responses.  Few elements shape emotional resonance as powerfully as light. Natural light introduces variability, drama, and connection to time and nature. Light animates space; it filters, diffuses, and directs attention.

Architecture as an experience can also be done by contextual resonance. Emotionally resonant architecture is rooted in context: geographic, cultural, and historical. It acknowledges the stories of a place and contributes new layers to its narrative. For example, a modern structure may employ traditional motifs, local materials, or vernacular planning principles to foster emotional continuity. Emotionally impactful architecture thus operates on personal and societal levels, becoming a medium for collective memory or protest.

The materials and textures employed in architecture can have a big impact on how people feel about places. Whether a material is polished metal, rough stone, or soft carpeting, its tactile quality can elicit a range of emotional reactions. For instance, wooden surfaces are frequently thought of as cosy and warm, but glass and metal can seem more sterile and industrial. While opulent materials like marble may evoke a sense of indulgence, sustainable materials like bamboo may foster a sense of environmental responsibility.

Emotionally resonant architecture is a necessity in a world where people increasingly seek meaning, belonging, and well-being through their environments. When form and flow are arranged with intention and insight, architecture becomes a stage for the human spirit.

Ar. Gagandeep Kapila is Founder and Principal Architect
at Workshop for Metropolitan Architecture