From Space to Experience: How Architecture Can Shape Behaviour

The keynote at this week’s Sydney Design Week struck a chord with me, reaffirming something I feel deeply about: architecture has the power to influence human behaviour. The idea that how we design spaces can provoke new behaviours, break entrenched habits, and pave the way for a more connected, engaged, and sustainable future is both exciting and essential. As architects, we hold the tools to shape not just the physical world but also how people live, interact, and thrive within it. This belief fuels my passion for creating spaces that don’t just function—they inspire.

Influencing Behaviours Through Building Design and Place-Making

The way we design buildings and places significantly influences how people behave within them. Architecture, at its core, extends beyond mere aesthetics or functionality; it’s about shaping experiences and provoking specific responses. By rethinking our approach to design, we can create spaces that foster positive, authentic behaviours aligned with the people who inhabit them.

David Gianotten, Managing Partner of Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), recently spoke at Sydney Design Week about the evolving role of the architect. He discussed the growing importance of cultural and community engagement in creating equitable architecture. OMA’s projects, like the Taipei Performing Arts Center and the Potato Head Studios in Bali, demonstrate how architecture can provoke behaviours—whether it’s fostering community connection or encouraging reflection—through thoughtful design choices.

Designing for Authentic Behavioural Responses

My interest lies in understanding how people are affected by space. When we aim to design a place that provokes a particular behaviour, we look to scientific research, such as Carl Jung's studies on human motivation, to understand the base drives behind people’s actions. Jung’s research helps us decode the unconscious motivations that influence how people respond to their environment, allowing us to design spaces that speak directly to these motivations.

In line with this, Rebecca Madgin's research at the University of Glasgow shows that people place a high value on spaces where they feel a sense of community ownership. When people feel emotionally connected to a place, they engage more deeply with it, take care of it, and foster long-term sustainability. By designing with these emotional connections in mind, we create environments where the provoked behaviour is not only authentic but also enduring.

By translating these insights into the built environment, we can create spaces that evoke authentic emotional and behavioural responses. For example, in a public space, we might consider the need for social interaction versus solitude. Circular seating arrangements invite community connection and conversation, while more isolated, linear layouts can foster moments of quiet contemplation. By understanding the core emotional needs that a place should fulfill, we can ensure that the design supports these behaviours organically.

In tourism architecture, for instance, understanding the base motivation for discovery or retreat can guide the way a space is laid out. If the goal is to provoke a sense of wonder or exploration, as seen in OMA’s Fondazione Prada in Milan, the design may incorporate unexpected pathways and views that invite curiosity. Alternatively, if the aim is to foster a sense of calm and reflection, more subdued, intimate spaces can be created to encourage slow, mindful engagement with the surroundings.

Influencing Connection and Engagement

The way a place is designed can also significantly influence how people engage with it. Spaces that encourage meaningful interaction—whether between individuals or with the environment—are critical in today’s rapidly changing world. By understanding the underlying motivations of connection and engagement, architects can create environments that invite people to put down their devices, look around, and immerse themselves in the moment.

In this way, architecture becomes a tool for provoking deeper emotional engagement with a space. Gianotten’s Potato Head Studios, for example, not only serves as a resort but also as a place for the local community to gather and engage, blurring the lines between tourism and local life. This creates a richer, more integrated experience where behaviour is shaped by the openness and inclusivity of the design.

The Role of Architecture in Well-Being

Architecture has a profound impact on well-being, as Alain de Botton explores in The Architecture of Happiness. Beautiful, functional spaces that resonate with our emotional needs can elevate our moods and foster a sense of belonging. Conversely, poorly designed spaces can alienate us from our surroundings and diminish our sense of happiness.

When we look to design places that provoke particular behaviours, understanding the emotional drivers behind those actions ensures the response is authentic. This approach allows us to move beyond functionality and aesthetics to create environments that feel right—whether it’s inspiring deeper reflection, encouraging community engagement, or fostering joy.

The Evolving Role of Architects

David Gianotten’s insights at Sydney Design Week were a powerful reminder of the transformative role architects play in shaping not just buildings, but the very fabric of our communities. We are entrusted with the responsibility to design spaces that inspire authentic connections and provoke meaningful behaviours. By harnessing scientific research on human motivation and integrating it into our designs, we can create environments that invite engagement and foster well-being. This approach elevates architecture from mere functionality to a catalyst for positive change. As we move forward, let us embrace this opportunity to create spaces that not only serve their purpose but also enrich lives, strengthen communities, and inspire a more connected, sustainable future.

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