In my research for this piece, I uncovered a scientific rationale for my love of old European architecture and beautifully designed everyday objects. More than just an aesthetic preference, research increasingly affirms that our surroundings profoundly shape our mental well-being. Every element of our built environment—from the trash cans on a street corner to the lamp posts that light our way—affects how we feel, think, and connect with the world.

Therapeutic architecture, a design philosophy that integrates psychological and emotional well-being as fundamental elements, underscores the importance of beauty and intentionality. Yet, modern urban landscapes often adopt a utilitarian approach that prioritizes efficiency at the expense of aesthetics and human experience—a short-term trade-off with long-term consequences for mental health, community cohesion, and overall quality of life. (Gehl, 2010)

The Science of Space and Mental Well-Being

Research consistently demonstrates that our environments influence our emotions, productivity, and even physical health. Access to natural light, harmonious proportions, and visually engaging spaces can reduce everyday stresses, and elevate our mood. Conversely, purely functional spaces devoid of aesthetic and experiential consideration can contribute to feelings of alienation, apathy, and anxiety. Studies show that these elements, along with others such as calming colours, create communal areas that encourage social interaction, and the integration of art not only elevates our day-to-day mood but significantly enhances our mental health. These insights lie at the heart of therapeutic architecture, which recognizes that beauty and how a person experiences their surroundings are crucial components of well-being. (Chrysikou, 2020)

The impact of your surroundings was explored in a healthcare setting in a previous edition of Invested in which I wrote about EmPATH units, as well as the recent renovations that the Peter Lougheed hospital did to their Emergency Department and Mental Health Intensive Care Unit. The updated space now integrates these therapeutic design principles, which recent studies at other facilities have shown improve both physical and mental health patient outcomes, including faster recovery times, reduced reliance on pain medication, and lower rates of depression and use of restraints. (Rodriguez-Labajos et al., 2024)

The Function of Beauty and Experience in Everyday Design

Intentional and aesthetic design choices also make an impressive impact in workplaces, schools, and public spaces—places where we spend the majority of our lives. However, the principle of "form follows function," popularized by architect Louis Sullivan, is often interpreted to mean that aesthetics and human experience should take a backseat to utility; this was the basis for many buildings, public spaces, and even entire cities being designed with form and human experience as afterthoughts. Yet, this perspective overlooks the fact that beauty itself serves a vital function. (Guggenheim, n.d.)

I am now even more firmly of the belief that beauty should be embedded in everyday spaces—not just reserved for high-profile projects or exclusive developments. Even the most utilitarian elements of urban design hold the potential to support mental well-being. A trash can, for instance, can be so much more than its intended function; it can be a piece of public art that sparks joy, rather than fading into the background. A well-designed lamp post does more than provide light; it can contribute to the character of a neighbourhood, foster civic pride, and evoke a sense of place. Similarly, a thoughtfully crafted bench or bus shelter with greenery or natural elements versus those designed purely for utility may both provide shelter or a place to sit, but the former invites people to engage and feel connected to their surroundings, transforming an ordinary wait into a more pleasant experience. (Gehl, 2010)

These examples all express that the well-being of a community matters. When beauty is woven into the built environment, it fosters a sense of care, connection, and dignity. And these seemingly small details accumulate to shape how we interact with and feel about our collective experience of public spaces. When we recognize that that beauty and functionality are not opposing forces but essential partners, we unlock the potential for built environments to truly serve people. (Gehl, 2010)

One of my favourite examples of this in action is Calgary’s Beltline Urban Murals Project (BUMP) festival. Each year, BUMP adds vibrant murals to the city’s downtown core and surrounding neighbourhoods, turning otherwise blank walls into works of public art. These murals do more than beautify the urban environment—they create conversation, reflect cultural identity, and bring art to spaces that people pass through daily, enriching the urban experience.

The Cost of Neglecting Beauty

Neglecting beauty in design doesn’t just create uninspiring spaces—it contributes to a deeper sense of disconnection and apathy. Sterile, monotonous environments filled with cookie-cutter buildings and uninspired infrastructure can leave residents feeling isolated and unmotivated. When aesthetics are treated as an afterthought, the built environment fails to support the social and emotional well-being of the people who inhabit it. (Gehl, 2010)

In contrast, communities that prioritize beauty—through public art, vibrant streetscapes, and inviting green spaces—cultivate a stronger sense of belonging and civic pride. These environments encourage people to linger, interact, and connect, reinforcing the social bonds that are essential to mental well-being. Beyond the psychological benefits, well-designed environments also bring economic and environmental advantages. Cities known for their architectural character and thoughtful urban planning attract tourism, investment, and long-term sustainability. Designing with beauty in mind ensures that spaces are valued, maintained, and cherished for generations. (Gehl, 2010)

Designing with intention starts with recognizing the vital role beauty and human experience plays in our shared spaces, and by embedding it into our places of healing and the fabric of our communities and urban design, we can create environments that not only meet our practical needs but also enrich our lives and actively contribute to healthier, more connected communities.

Bibliography

1. Chrysikou, E. (2020). This is a great time for therapeutic architecture. ResearchGate.
2. Gehl, Jan. Cities for People. Island Press, 2010.
3. Guggenheim Museum. (n.d.). Form follows function. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. https://www.guggenheim.org/teaching-materials/the-architecture-of-the-solomon-r-guggenheim-museum/form-follows-function
4. Rodríguez-Labajos, L., et al. "The Role of the Built Environment as a Therapeutic Intervention in Mental Health Facilities: A Systematic Literature Review." Health Environments Research & Design Journal, vol. 17, no. 2, 2024, pp. 281-308.