The Problem

Boring buildings and soulless cities

We’re calling time on a global ‘blandemic’ of boring buildings and soulless cities. Science has now proved that bland, monotonous buildings are bad for our brains, our bodies and our behaviours – even when we’re just walking past them. It’s no wonder that 3 out of 4 people in the UK say that the way buildings look affects their mental health.

If we don’t like the buildings around us, they’re more likely to be demolished and replaced – over and over. Already in the UK 50,000 buildings are knocked down every year. That’s bad for the economy and disastrous for the planet.

Interesting, varied, characterful buildings are so much better for us. They make us feel a sense of belonging, pride and connection. They put some joy into our lives. Which means we’re more likely to love them and look after them.

And it shouldn’t only be the wealthy who can afford to live surrounded by interesting, well-designed buildings. Human buildings are for everyone – they lift us up and help us all thrive. So shouldn’t everyone’s opinions about buildings count?

The evidence

A growing body of science is proving the impact of buildings on our brains, bodies and behaviours.

Find out more about our own research

The shape of buildings can affect our stress levels.

Find out more about the findings from our pioneering Global Evidence Review.

3 out of 4 people say the way buildings look impacts their mental health.

That’s 76% of people we surveyed in the UK. In Seoul, South Korea, the number who agree is even higher at 90%.

Care and craft in the outside of a building

Characterful buildings give us a sense of pride and belonging.

When the outsides of buildings show a sense of care, craft or cultural identity they help us feel connected to a place.

Babies as young as four months prefer visually interesting buildings.

Experiments by the University of Sussex tracked what the youngsters were drawn to as they were shown images of different types of buildings.

Passing by, or going in?

Which parts of a building should we lavish the most care on: the parts that only a few people see, or the parts most people see?

“Boring, low complexity buildings are not merely an aesthetic concern – they can affect people at a raw, physiological level.”

Professor Colin EllardUniversity of Waterloo, Canada

Making change happen

Whether you’re a passer-by, a professional, or a city leader, there are things you can do right now to make change happen.

Find out more about what you can do

Join

Want buildings and cities that are radically more human and engaging?

Join thousands of others making change happen.

Explore

Radically More Human at the Seoul Biennale

Bringing the conversation about human cities to the capital of South Korea

Listen to the BBC Radio 4 series Building Soul

The programme which explores why we need more human buildings – and how to get them.

Find out about the Humanise book

Find out more about the book which sparked the Humanise campaign.