Does architecture have an effect on how we think, feel, and act?  Donald Rattner has researched and explored environmental psychology and come to the conclusion that it does.  This fact plays into our daily lives, affecting how we act and feel at the office and in our personal lives.  This week on Killer Innovations, Donald Rattner joins us to discuss innovation and creativity in design of architectures that impact our daily lives.

Natures Effect on Creativity

What is the role of nature in regard to creativity?  The human body craves to be near nature; unfortunately, we spend ninety percent of our time indoors.  Rattner says to you do not have to do a lot to bring nature to your workplace.  One study showed that simply placing a plant on your work desk can boost your creative output from fifteen to twenty percent.  Fortunately, you do not need hours of exposure; you need a certain amount of inputs to achieve the necessary restorative affect nature has on the human body and mind.

Creativity at Home

People get ideas more often while at home; it is the place where you do the most unconscious ideation.  So, what can people do in their homes to improve their creativity?  First, you need to designate a creative place; pick where you want to associate creativity with.  Second, pick a place where you want to spend time in.  Try to get a sense of openness in your creative space.  Studies have shown that the more open the space, the more open your mind is to creativity.  Another point Rattner makes in his book is the effect that ceiling space has on creating an open space.  Pictures, color, beauty, lighting, sound, music, and scent all affect creativity.

About Our Guest

Donald Rattner is the author of My Creative Space: How to Design Your Home to Stimulate Ideas and Spark Innovation.   He is an architect and practitioner.  He has also taught at the University of Chicago and worked at Parson’s School of Design.  Pick up Rattner’s book today!

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To learn more about creativity in design of architectures, listen to this week's show: Donald Rattner on Design of a Place and its Effect on Creativity.