Why the outsides of buildings matter to human health: a global evidence review

As more of our world migrates to cities, buildings are shaping far more than the skyline. From the form of façades to the rhythm of streetscapes, a growing body of evidence reveals that the built environment is not just a backdrop to urban life. It is an active force, shaping how people feel, function, and connect.

This global evidence review, authored by Dr Anna Kim, is the first of its kind to comprehensively evaluate, integrate and translate findings across a wide range of research on how the external design of buildings affects human health and wellbeing.

Commissioned by Humanise, the global evidence review explores why the outsides of buildings matter inside of us: regulating stress, guiding attention, sparking memory, and influencing mood, physiology, and behaviour in ways we are only beginning to grasp.

Synthesising over 80 recent studies spanning neuroscience, cognitive science, environmental psychology, place-based studies, and urban design, it demonstrates the measurable impact of façades in shaping body, mind and behaviour, with actionable insights to shape the future of our cities.

“The goal is simple but urgent: to rehumanise our buildings and positively shape the cities
that are shaping us – not only to support health and wellbeing, but to embed an ethics of care
in how we build, now and for future generations.” – Dr Anna Kim

This report was made possible through the generous support of the Allen Institute, funded by
their inaugural Impact Partnership with Humanise. It was first presented at the Emotional City conference at the Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism.