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Scientists explain why we love symmetry so much and how our heart rate changes while observing a beautiful building.

The perception of interior and exterior, as well as our self-esteem, is directly dependent on the peculiarities of the work of our brain. This is the subject of neuro-architecture.

Perhaps you have ever felt uncomfortable or trapped in a certain building. Perhaps the hallway was narrow and long, with no visible exit or a poorly lit room with a low ceiling. Or vice versa: amazement and delight being in another interior.

A whole science is devoted to the study of the brain reactions of this or that space – neuro-architecture. This is not a style or trend of architecture. The fusion of neuroscience and architecture studies the human response to the built environment. Even now we can understand why we react in one way or another to a certain building or space.

How does our brain react?

Certain cells in the hippocampus respond to geometry and how space is organized. Every time we enter a room, house or any space, these cells are busy navigating and storing spatial information in the form of cognitive maps.

As an experiment, remember a space where you were uncomfortable and wanted to leave. At this point, your heart will start working faster and your breathing will speed up. This is because your body will start producing adrenaline and cortisol – stress hormones.

Our physiological state has a huge impact on our health. Bearing in mind that most people spend most of their lives in public spaces – the architecture of homes and workplaces are extremely important to our well-being.

People’s reaction is different, isn’t it?

Faithfully! There is no universal reaction, our initial reaction to space very often differs from subsequent ones, once space has already become familiar to us. Add to this our experience lived in this space. For example, the brains of two people will react differently to the same room if one of them has successfully passed an interview and the other has been fired. Scientists are also studying differences in people’s ages and cultural experiences, which can dictate preferences.

What do we unconsciously look for in a room?

Of course, not everything on our wish list is dictated by biology, although this is what neuro-architecture explores. We look for different spaces for different types of communication. When we need to communicate, we look for open spaces, and at the same time, we choose a closed space when we want to be alone with our emotions.

Arbitrary proportions of buildings very often negatively affect people’s perceptions. The more correct the building is built using the golden ratio and other proportions, the better it is perceived by people. The golden ratio is a universal manifestation of structural harmony.

Research shows that the façade has a strong influence on our perceptions: symmetrical ones evoke more pleasure and emotions. For example, facades with complex textures are more liked, and monotony causes less brain activity.

For their part, Canadian professors prove that people are good at perceiving curves in architecture. People like curved paths, perhaps because they generate what environmental psychology calls “secret.” In short, we prefer spaces that attract us with the gradual disclosure of new information.

How to take advantage of the neural architecture?

It is important to know what we need and how the supposed design will make us feel put into perspective. The personality of each of us dictates our preferences and aspirations. For example, if a person is an introvert, he is unlikely to feel good in an open-type guest.

If we are looking for a new home, it is necessary to think about our old experience: where we were comfortable, in what interiors we experienced discomfort, and in which, on the contrary, we felt in a good mood. It is good to determine in advance what can work in our case. This requires patience and attention to your feelings and emotions.

Trust your feelings![:]

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Simple shapes, classic shades and the magic of modern technology.

1. Shape and location

Simple and distinct shapes always catch the eye, and the absence of unnecessary details make the kitchen perfect.

The so-called “islands” are becoming more and more relevant – the modules in the center of the kitchen with built-in appliances, an auxiliary hob or a sink. In a modern kitchen, the walls are lighter, there are no hanging upper cabinets at the expense of non-standard lighting solutions and open racks.

The lighting is well planned to complement the design of the furniture, to create visual accents on colors and textures.

Riddle: Why does the dining table stand in the middle of the bedroom? Because this is not a bedroom, but a huge kitchen with a folding bed for guests!

The hidden kitchen is not just another novelty of the season, but rather a long-term trend that was presented at this year’s Eurocucina exhibition. We can hide a whole column of built-in appliances or just shelves with dishes or vegetables.

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It is well known that large cities are becoming more and more overcrowded. That is why many of us choose to spend our weekends in search of space and nature. Many architects and designers try to use this trend, creating innovative houses, villas, chalets that bring urban comfort to life in nature.

Gaining popularity

Projects for interesting chalet-type homes are most often found on the Internet. Historically, this type of building arose back in the 70s of the last century and in recent years has been gaining more and more popularity. Most often, an area is chosen for construction in nature, around large reservoirs, in areas with beautiful views and even in the forest. This type of residential buildings is distinguished by several advantages: relatively easy and quick construction; original appearance, in harmony with the surrounding landscape; space saving.

The windows deserve special attention, choosing large ones we have a wonderful view of nature. Such windows will visually enlarge the space and make it more spacious and bright. Huge windows at the top are also a good and stylish option, but not so practical, due to the reduced access to direct sunlight in the premises.

Design features

When designing such a chalet, both the exterior and the interior should be considered as a whole. This type of structure is very popular in the Scandinavian countries, in particular in Sweden, due to climatic conditions. That is why the most common source of inspiration is the Scandinavian style in the interior. In addition, hunting, chalet style and minimalism are also suitable.

Interior planning

The unusual shapes of the building require non-standard furniture and original design solutions. At the same time, we should not consider architectural forms as a disadvantage. Such an original layout can be interestingly “played”. To begin with, we can give up the standard zoning, which will create space in the space.

With such a construction, it is good to give up unnecessary furniture and decoration that will weigh down the interior, everything used at a minimum is welcome. Suitable for the interior are natural materials, especially wood.

Worldwide, chalet houses are considered the most modern residential facility. These buildings can be not only one-storey, but very often built on several levels. It is in these cases that the hut can be used not only as a seasonal dwelling. A well-designed, insulated, spacious and designed house with a design flair can become a permanent home for a family. [:]

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Employee productivity depends on the office environment. Swedish scientists assure that the original design of the office increases the working capacity of employees by 32% and helps to realize their creative potential!

How to create a modern and original office interior?

#Обща concept

Choosing a basic color scheme is an important and not very easy decision, because each color has a certain function. For office interiors, the choice of light colors is best suited so that you can visually expand the space and fill it with the light necessary for work.

Natural materials, gray or beige shades are a good option for the floor of the room, and a wall painted in a bright color creates an interesting accent. It is necessary to bear in mind that when choosing the color of the floor, the color of the walls and ceiling, we create a canvas for further creativity and experimentation.

Facebook Office

#Мебели and decoration

Furniture is another tool for creating the much-desired color accents that we have already mentioned. These can be bright sofas, armchairs, stands, swings of unusual shapes and sizes. Their diversity gives employees the freedom to choose how to work – sitting on a pouf or chair with a desk or standing up.

NetInfo Office

The main practice is to choose a color palette consisting of 3-4 colors for a particular interior. Very often this is the corporate palette, in accordance with which all elements in the interior of the office are selected.

Airbnb Office

#Зониране

By allocating each employee with their own workplace, we need to make sure that it is well lit so that even the smallest details on paper and monitor can be accurately recognized.

If work implies constant communication between employees, we can divide the workplaces with screens. In such offices, sound insulation can be provided by specially made pendants that illuminate each workplace.

Design Lab. in Sofia

In an office, it is necessary to create a space in which employees can shake off work tasks. Areas for rest and eating, corners with comfortable furniture are places for emotional unloading and relaxation. The placement of non-standard meeting rooms and board games diversifies the concept.

Google office in Amsterdam

#Оригиналност in the setting

Ecodesign – the new word in the layout of office interiors. It is characterized by natural shapes, smooth lines, natural materials and an abundance of greenery, which stimulate creativity. An example of this is the interior of the NetInfo company:

NetInfo office in Sofia

Glass walls are an excellent solution for an office interior in a modern style. Thanks to such walls, the office will be more spacious and bright. By adding non-standard decorative elements to the concept, we refresh and diversify the space.

NetInfo office in Sofia

If we talk about the image of a company, the environment affects everything that happens in the space. Undoubtedly, the first impression of the client or business partner forms visual information, the image of the interior in the office, visual signs. A professional, innovative view of the concept is needed and we are here to assist you! [:]

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Many of us want to have our own house because it means freedom and comfort. The question arises: which is more reasonable to buy a ready-made property in order to make the dream come true faster or to build a new one, according to our preferences?

Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of both options together to determine the appropriate one:

Ready-made house?

By buying a ready-made property , we save time and effort for the construction of a new one. This option implies quick application and establishment. Very often, however, the cost of a finished house is much higher than the cost of construction from scratch. Also, a ready-made home may not meet all the requirements of the buyer, but a compromise solution may appear. In addition, the search for a suitable property is a time-consuming occupation that not everyone is ready to deal with.

It is important to realize that with the acquisition of a ready-made property , we acquire all its hidden flaws. This is because when buying, we cannot evaluate the quality of the foundation, the quality of the roof tiles or insulation. Each of us, buying a ready-made house, sometimes runs the risk of paying for its possible defects and subsequently spending additional time and money on repairs.

On the other hand, in the finished property, we can invest our time and money in shaping its interior. Here we may hesitate in the combination of the individual elements or have difficulties in integrating all our ideas. In this case, we can turn to a professional designer to prepare a project of our preference, so as not to waste time and effort.

Design and construction?

The only disadvantage of building from scratch is very conditional – the indefinite duration of the process. First of all, it is important to determine the functional features of the house and correctly form a budget, which is a small but significant part of the whole process. However, here it is important to know that by controlling the quality of materials and the work process, we can get rid of the need for additional costs for repairs.

In order to avoid all organizational and annoying moments, the most appropriate option is to assign an order to a competent company, which will save so valuable time for us. All the subtleties in design, execution and control are a suitable task for professionals. And it is best to look for turnkey solutions – from architectural design, through interior to implementation. The main plus of the design: the realization of all dreams and desires, making the home comfortable for each member of the family.

Undoubtedly, professional flair plays an essential role in design. It allows every detail in architecture and interior design to be foreseen and to establish a close connection with the temperament of the inhabitants. For this, do not hesitate to seek professional support. We are here to assist you in creating your dream home! [:]

More than 8 billion people on Earth. As it grows, so does the consumption of electricity and land resources. The environment is changing rapidly, and nature has a strong influence on the appearance of cities around the world. To solve a number of environmental problems, innovative changes are needed in the field of architecture and building technologies, which make the future more beautiful, clean and, most importantly, livable.

# Bamboo Cities

We are used to looking at bamboo as a decorative material. In fact, it is an amazing building resource. Bamboo grows quickly, it is more resistant than cement and stronger than steel. That is why Penda, an architectural studio from Beijing, wants to use bamboo as the main resource for the construction of an entire city.

This city will be sustainable, environmentally friendly and budget-friendly. The buildings will be made up of ropes-linked bamboo branches. Using simple technology, Penda plans to build a city for 200,000 people by 2023.

# Diamond Nanothreads

As far as we know, diamond is the strongest mineral found in nature on Earth. This makes diamonds one of the most fertile building materials when applied appropriately.

Scientists from the University of Pennsylvania in the United States have created innovative diamond nanowires, which, according to them, are 20,000 times thinner than human hair. At the same time, filaments are considered the strongest on Earth (and possibly in the universe). In addition to being thin and strong, they are also incredibly light.

These nanofilaments are unlikely to be used in mass construction anytime soon, but in more ambitious and capital-intensive projects such as the creation of a space lift for sure.

# Road Printer

Road construction is time-consuming. On average, a worker can build 100 square meters per day using traditional methods. Road printers such as Tiger Stone can shorten this process by printing up to 300 square meters per day. Another similar mechanism can build up to 500 square meters per day.

These printers run on electricity and do not contain many moving parts, making them easy to use and maintain. In addition, they do not create noise, especially compared to traditional methods.

# Sun paint

One of the most common complaints about solar panels is that they are very bulky and not powerful enough. To tackle this problem, researchers at the University of Alberta have created solar panels that are so small and flexible that they can be painted on a surface. In fact, these are solar elements in the form of a spray with nanoparticles of zinc and phosphorus.

If every homeowner paints his roof with solar paint, it will be possible to produce more energy for the home than enough. In addition, solar paint is cheaper to produce compared to solar panels.

# Vertical cities

According to UN forecasts, by 2050 there will be more than 9.6 billion people on Earth, 75% of the population will live in large cities, which will further develop the problems with free spaces in them.

One way to solve this problem is to build vertical cities. For example, the Italian firm luca Curci Architect intends to build a 189-storey building in the UAE that will accommodate 25,000 people with living quarters, shops and offices.

Megabuildings will be self-sustaining and green. Solar panels can be located over their entire area, they will use geothermal energy and collect rainwater.

# Smart baton

In large cities, one of the main problems is flooding, due to the lack of soil for rainwater to drain. The British company Tarmac has proposed a solution to the problem – asphalt, which allows the passage of 36,000 milliliters per hour, compared to the usual one – 300 milliliters per hour.

This innovation allows streets to be dry and safe, in addition, it is possible to channel water to tanks for use for other uses.

# Smart Bricks

Do you notice that this development of Smart Bricks can be easily likened to Lego bricks. Smart bricks are held in place using rebar and vary in shape and color. Bricks have also been developed for various applications – for the construction of floors and roofs. The core of the brick is hollow, if necessary, it can be filled with insulation, pipes and cables for electricity.

Such bricks can improve heat control, manufacturing flexibility, and reduce production cost by 50%.

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The pursuit of harmonious table arrangement as a trend is not new, but in recent years it has become more and more relevant. This doesn’t just apply to the festive layout or to the layout for special occasions.

A harmonious layout enters everyday life more and more and undoubtedly changes our attitude and has a positive effect on mood. Let’s trace what are the main points of support on the way to the beauty and aesthetics of a table:

We choose a tablecloth

The variety of shapes, fabrics and colors is huge. The ideal choice of shape is according to the shape of the table – round, square, rectangular. However, we can experiment by putting a round tablecloth on a round table and a small square one on it for accent, especially if both are in contrasting colors. Fabric napkins and napkins are also a good option. Dishes, candles and vases are mostly placed on the former, and napkins are a good harmonious addition.

The fabric that is suitable for everyday life is polyester or acrylic. Products made from these materials are easy to wash, do not wrinkle and are often treated with a composition that does not absorb liquids.

For the festive table, it is better to choose natural fabrics such as linen and cotton. Tablecloths made of these fabrics are strong and look beautiful. It is important to remember that after washing, these tablecloths shrink and it is good to choose a larger size than necessary.

We can choose the tablecloth in the same color range as the interior or in a brighter one, according to our personal preferences. In order for the table to get a complete look, it is necessary to choose suitable napkins. The tablecloth and napkins can be the same color or in contrasting ones.

Utensils, dishes and decoration

It is necessary to adhere to a common concept in the choice of dishes. It should be in the same style with a monochrome color scheme or color in combination with monochrome. It all depends on the layout style you choose .

As for the décor – there are thousands of options: different color variations, decoration in the form of flowers, candles, knitted elements and much more.

Using a certain theme in the table layout we can create an amazing and original atmosphere![:]

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In the capital of the United Arab Emirates, a unique museum complex called “Louvre Abu Dhabi” has opened its doors.

The complex is located on the island of Saadiyat in the Persian Gulf, designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel.

People compare the facility to a giant beetle with a silver shell or a flying saucer punctured by the wind. The designed museum is only the first part of the puzzle called “cultural region” Saadiyat. The project was initiated by the Emirati authorities on an island as large as a quarter of Paris or 2700 acres and in addition to the Louvre includes: the Zayed National Museum designed by the British Norman Foster, the Maritime Museum by the Japanese Tadao Ando, the Guggenheim-Abu Dhabi by the American Frank Gehry and the Center for the Arts.

The first sod was made by the Frenchman, who stated that he knew Arab architecture well and in exactly 30 years he built the Institute of the Arab World in Paris. According to him, it is based on two basic concepts that represent a special value to him: light and geometry.

The diameter of the museum dome is 180 meters. It consists of 7,850 holes, allowing direct access to sunlight. The light solar rain that comes out through the openings creates an amazing effect. The dome consists of eight metal layers (stainless steel, iron and aluminum) with a total thickness of seven meters. The facility weighs more than the construction of the Eiffel Tower – 7,500 tons.

About 300 masterpieces of art, including works by Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Leodardo da Vinci, etc., are provided by 13 French museums at the Louvre in the Desert. The museum plans to collect another 600 works for its permanent collection , of which 200 will be exhibited for visitors.

64 000 sq.m. is the total area of the museum complex on the island of Saadiyat. The museum itself occupies 8600 sq.m, of which 6400 sq.m are allocated for the permanent collection, 2000 sq.m – for temporary exhibitions and 200 sq.m for the children’s museum. This micro-city consists of 55 separate rooms, 26 of which are for the permanent gallery.

525,000,000 euros will be paid by Arab sheikhs for 30 years for the use of the name “Louvre”.

€561,000,000 is the total amount for the construction of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The value of the project should not have exceeded BGN 83 million. euro, but it has gone out of scope due to the retention of the investment.

Stunning, isn’t it? [:]

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The flower is a powerful design tool.

Colors affect mood, emotional state, thoughts, consciousness, health and activity. Each color affects us in its own way and at the same time creates a certain mood and atmosphere in a room.

When choosing the color of an interior, one should take into account the temperament and character of the people who inhabit it, as well as its functional purpose.

Yellow and orange

Two warm colors, very close to each other, which are most often associated with the sun, sand, beach, oranges, tangerines and predispose to a friendly atmosphere and optimism. Where can we add sunny colors to the interior? – small dark rooms, kitchen, corridor, even in the bathroom!

Red

The color of passion, romance, activity. It can be used both in modern interiors and in classic ones, it all depends on the shade and context. In the interior, the red color is used for accent, focusing attention. The main rule is that the more saturated the shade, the less it should be present in the interior.

Brown

The color of the earth, clay, wood. Usually, this color is associated with stability, rigidity and reliability. The mixture of cream and brown gives the most commonly used color in the interior – beige. Purely psychologically – people often feel insecure in choosing a color. That is why they prefer to choose a neutral one that is compatible with everything and in itself soothes and is not conspicuous.

Green

The first and most obvious association is nature, which in turn is associated with tranquility, harmony, freshness. In the interior, the green color is used in rooms where we need balance and tranquility such as restaurants, cafes, spas. The spectrum of green is very wide, which is why it is impossible to determine exactly whether the color is necessarily warm or cold.

Son

It is associated with water or the sky. The water relaxes and soothes, and the huge, blue, cloudless sky absorbs and gives depth. No wonder this color is very often used in bedrooms. If we take a richer and darker shade of blue, then it will be perfectly suitable for a study to tune in to a business wave. Blue, being the coldest of all colors, has the property of visually expanding the space. It is also suitable for kitchens and bedrooms.

White

The first thing that comes to mind as an association is purity. The white color in the interior is a background on which you can create, add different color accents and combinations. This is the reason why it is preferred by people who choose modernism and minimalism as an interior style. In addition, a white room can be transformed according to our mood or according to the season. White should be used in rooms where there is less natural light, because it reflects it.

Black

The black color in the interior looks bold, as it is very dramatic in itself. Like red, black is meant to focus attention. It is widely believed that walls painted in black visually shrink the space. However, it all depends on the rest of the elements that make up the interior. This color does not like cheap materials, objects placed on a black background stand out and it is good to be in the best possible quality.

Gray

The gray color is gaining more and more popularity. Pure white, according to most designers, is boring and easy to get dirty, beige is too banal, and gray has a wide enough range of shades from which we can choose the right one. Gray is a good component to any other color and is easily combined with brighter ones. This color is very often applied in modern interiors, in almost all rooms such as kitchen, living room, bedroom.

In fact, each individual color has many different shades and characteristics that each person perceives in their own way. That is why the main factor in the choice are personal feelings and preferences, as well as the overall concept of the interior.

In addition to all psychological and logical features, it is important to observe harmony in the combination of individual colors. If you are hesitant and need a professional point of view, we are here to advise you! [:]

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The houses are more or less like people – they supposedly dress the same, but only those who have their own style are remembered!

We have selected for your attention several of the most unusual exteriors, the fruit of architectural creative thought:

Lace façade, Australia

The upper floor of this house is enclosed with a lace façade. Functionally , this plays an essential role – it limits natural light, hides the interior from passers-by and turns the box into an extraordinary air castle. In the evening, when the lighting fixtures are lit in the home, the lace cube becomes the main attraction of this street.

In this project , the owners of the home have tried to recreate their ideas of a cozy home. Each of the family has its own territory, but there is no shortage of common convergence rooms – a library, a living room, a swimming pool, a game room and a terrace. Despite the frivolous appearance of the façade, the house was built according to all the rules of energy efficiency.

Cobwebbed House, Las Vegas

The main intrigue in this façade is the cobwebs of the windows on the upper floor. The idea is followed by the original backlight and the bushes around the façade, which also participate in the game of shadows. This graphics is the only, very spectacular and extraordinary decoration of the house. The mesh on the upper façade retains some of the sunlight and reduces the heating of the windows, after all, the house is located in the Mojave Desert. The total area of 750 sq.m. of the home includes two buildings with a common yard, a swimming pool and a golf course.

Undercover house, Spain

This house, reminiscent of the remains of a medieval fortress, is located in Spain. The architectural solution is not accidental, the owners have decided that their home should be as much in tune with the surrounding rocky landscape as possible. Much of the stone was mined on site during the clearing of the territory, which makes the project environmentally friendly and economical. Although the home looks quite compact, there is a vast space behind the minimalist walls.

House – album, Germany

The façade of this home is a compromise between an ordinary dull building from the 20th century and modern ideas. The monotonous building catches the eye thanks to the non-standard configuration of the windows. Part of the house is intended for an art gallery, and the rest consists of two-storey apartments.

The interior of the building is distinguished by white walls, large open spaces built around one central core – kitchen, dining room, internal staircase. German architects have designed a home where everything is provided for good ventilation and maximum heat retention and regulation.

Walls without walls, Japan

This art object is also a residential building that has practically no walls – only bars and movable partitions. The project is inspired by aerial garden buildings rather than massive residential buildings.

With the whole experimental concept of the home, it has a number of functional advantages. Along with the walls and windows, the problem of ventilation in the warm and humid climate has also disappeared. If one of the partitions is opened, a huge panoramic window will be obtained, if closed, a translucent wall effectively appears. The project is a winner in World Architecture News in the “residential building” category.

Hallucination House, Netherlands

Creative people in the Netherlands, tired of living in boring urban conditions, have created an extraordinary villa on the roof of their apartment. And not just any, but in a sky blue color! Against the backdrop of Rotterdam’s dull gray roofs and stone walls, this bright blue house looks like an extension of the sky, not the building on which it was built.

Characters in this fairy tale is a family with two children, who are housed in three small houses on the roof, consisting of three bedrooms. Unlike the contrasting façade, the interior is distinguished by calm light tones and natural wood textures.

Hello – home, Australia

The friendliest house in the world is located in Australia. The façade was invented literally on the fly during the reconstruction of an old house from the Victorian era. The owners wanted to increase the space, improve the functionality of the house and at the same time have something to be noticed by people.

The interior of the house has remained faithful to minimalism and classic materials – concrete and wood. On 130 sq.m. There are two bedrooms, a kitchen, a dining room, a living room and a bathroom.

No matter how unusual these solutions are, they are the fruit of architectural creative thought, they are remembered for their peculiar style, and some of them are designed to bring positivity and delight the eye! [:]