Society VS High Contrast Architecture

Modern contemporary architecture can seem flashy and attention grabbing compared to more mild, existing structures. In reality, the architecture usually isn’t high contrast in the context of  the area as a whole. The actual contrast of materials and forms within one building can be more jarring and disorienting to the viewer. 

When facades, carpets, interior walls, or any component of a building features a high contrast color combination, patterns, or textures, the viewer can be negatively impacted. In extreme cases the viewer can experience seizures, headaches, and dizziness. In a normal case, the viewer is likely to feel overwhelmed and uncomfortable as the visual rhythm is causing stress on the brain.  Our nervous system is accustomed to more neutral tones and patterns, so when seeing architecture that features starkly different materials and tones and textures we feel overwhelmed. The feeling of being overwhelmed comes from our brain being overstimulated and triggering a nervous system reaction. 

The same can be said about the opposite end of the spectrum. When architecture is too low in contrast it can have negative psychological effects on the viewer. Without visual stimuli the brain can slow down the release of the good chemicals that positively affect the viewers’ mood. Architecture is about balance as much as it is about people. When buildings are balanced, people are happier to see them, experience them, and visit them, which is the overall goal of most architecture. 

Works Cited

Sieun Kim, Nayeon Kim, Neurophysiological and psychological effects of color and ceiling height in learning spaces, Building and Environment, Volume 282, 2025, 113296, ISSN 0360-1323, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.113296.

Valentine, Cleo, and Heather Mitcheltree. “How the Buildings You Occupy Might Be Affecting Your Brain.” Psyche Ideas, Psyche, 2024, psyche.co/ideas/how-the-buildings-you-occupy-might-be-affecting-your-brain.