The way we perceive and experience spaces extends beyond aesthetics—they directly influence our emotions, thoughts, and even creativity. Spacious environments with high ceilings often evoke a sense of freedom and inspiration, while smaller, enclosed spaces encourage focus and introspection. This is not merely a subjective impression but a scientifically studied phenomenon. In the 1960s, anthropologist Edward T. Hall introduced the term "Cathedral Effect" to describe how ceiling height impacts cognition and behavior. More recent research has expanded on this idea, demonstrating how architecture shapes decision-making and emotional states in various contexts.
Hall’s studies suggest that high ceilings create a sense of openness, promoting abstract thinking, creativity, and holistic problem-solving. Conversely, lower ceilings foster a sense of confinement, enhancing focus and analytical thinking. Building on this concept, research shows that spacious, open areas activate brain regions associated with visuospatial exploration and attention, while enclosed spaces elicit emotional responses and an urge to exit. In retail settings, a 2014 study by Joan Meyers-Levy and Rui Juliet Zhu found that high ceilings encourage broad evaluations of products, whereas lower ceilings promote detailed analysis. This principle also applies to work and educational environments, where open spaces foster innovation and brainstorming, while smaller rooms enhance concentration on meticulous tasks.
However, the Cathedral Effect merely quantifies an understanding that architecture has intuitively applied for centuries. Gothic cathedrals, for example, used soaring ceilings not only to expand the perception of space but also to symbolize divine grandeur. This connection between environment and perception is a fundamental principle of neuroarchitecture, which explores how spatial elements influence human emotions and behaviors. Today, this concept extends beyond religious settings and is employed in museums, government buildings, and other spaces designed to evoke awe, introspection, or inspiration.
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Psychology of Scale: People, Buildings and CitiesThat said, ceiling height is just one of many architectural strategies that define spatial scale and shape the user experience. Elements such as color, materials, and lighting also play crucial roles in creating distinct atmospheres—either enhancing spaciousness or fostering warmth and intimacy. These factors highlight how our perception of a space is deeply tied to the emotions it evokes. In this context, scale becomes a fundamental tool in humanizing architecture, making spaces more livable and attuned to sensory needs. As Eugene Raskin highlights in Architectural Speaking, architecture can consider four types of scale to balance proportion, comfort, and experience, always prioritizing the human perspective. Below, we explore each of these scales and their applications in different architectural projects.
Natural Scale
Humans have a predominantly horizontal field of vision, which explains why smaller scales tend to feel more natural. Our visual angle ranges between 50° and 55°, making it harder to relate to extremely tall structures or overly vast spaces. In contrast, lower buildings feel more intuitive and harmonious. Human scale in architecture affects both physical dimensions and sensory perception, creating a welcoming and psychologically positive impact. Spaces designed with human scale in mind encourage organic connections, ease of navigation, and a stronger sense of belonging. Additionally, they align with proportions found in nature and the human body, reinforcing a sense of familiarity and balance.
Maggie's Lanarkshire / Reiach and Hall Architects
Casa Scout / BAAG
Restaurante Greta Kouzina / Babel Arquitetura
Bentleigh Secondary College Meditation and Indigenous Cultural Centre / dwpIsuters
Monumental Scale
Monumental scale, by contrast, is significantly larger than human scale and is primarily used in public buildings, religious structures, and memorials. Its imposing nature naturally makes users feel small and contained. Historically, monumental scale has served as a tool of power—rulers, dictators, and religious authorities have used grand structures to mark victories, assert dominance, and even instill fear. However, as societal values evolved, monumental architecture has increasingly been repurposed to serve public needs, reinforcing accessibility, cultural identity, and collective belonging.
La Bourse de Commerce / Tadao Ando Architect & Associates + NeM Architectes + Pierre-Antoine Gatier
Astronomical Park of Zhenze High School / Specific Architects + Unit Architects
The Cathedral of Christ the Light / SOM
Chinese Culture Exhibition Center / ECA2 & Tengyuan Design
Intimate Scale
Intimate scale, on the other hand, is personal and inviting. A subcategory of human scale, it is designed to foster comfort, privacy, and a sense of retreat. Elements like an inglenook—a small seating nook near a fireplace—or a built-in window bench exemplify spaces that evoke this scale. The closeness of walls and reduced openness enhance feelings of coziness and security, making such areas ideal for reading, contemplation, or relaxation. Intimate scale is not only relevant in residential settings but also in commercial environments, such as cozy restaurants and small cafés, where it creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Zaishui Art Museum / junya ishigami + associates
U-shape room / Atelier TAO+C
Warm Studio Home / Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Chapel of the Earth / Cabrera Arqs
Shock Scale
Shock scale, the least conventional of the four, is used to surprise and challenge perception. Typically found in experimental or artistic projects, it creates immediate impact through exaggeratedly large or unexpectedly small proportions. This approach, often seen in conceptual architecture and art installations, disrupts traditional spatial expectations, evoking curiosity or awe. While rarely employed in residential design, it is common in architectural works that seek to be provocative. Shock scale can sometimes resemble kitsch architecture, characterized by exaggerated colors, textures, and forms. Philosopher Walter Benjamin, an advocate of this theme, argued that such aesthetics aim to provide instant gratification without requiring deep intellectual engagement.
Dubai Frame / Fernando Donis
Big Duck / Martin Maurer
When manipulating scale in architectural design, two key considerations arise. First, aligning space with its intended function is crucial. Is a 3-meter ceiling inadequate? What about a 7-meter one? It depends. A ballroom requires a high ceiling, while a home theater benefits from a lower one. Second, user perception varies—not only among adults but even more so between adults and children, as each person interacts with their environment based on their sensory abilities.
Ultimately, spatial perception is not an exact science. While general principles hold, perceptual and cognitive psychology reveal that information processing is not purely physical. Cultural background, personal experiences, and expectations shape how individuals perceive and interact with spaces, adding depth and richness to architectural design.
This article is part of an ArchDaily series exploring interior architecture features based on our own project database. Each month, we highlight how architects and designers worldwide are incorporating new elements, characteristics, and signatures into interior spaces. As always, at ArchDaily, we greatly value our readers' contributions. If you believe we should cover specific ideas, feel free to send us your suggestions.
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