TIME: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Description
Architecture is only useful once it has been inhabited. Architecture's constant context is human psychology, and vice versa; modern humans spend 90% of their time indoors, thus architecture becomes the constant context of human thinking, working and emotional reactions.
This session examines the relationship between psychology and architecture and considers how architects can more intentionally design for the inhabitants. To streamline application of the findings, the presentation explores how atmosphere is shaped through four key architectural variables: light, colour, space, and materiality.
Drawing on environmental psychology, phenomenology, and architectural precedent, the session examines lessons from the Japanese Tea Ceremony, Eileen Gray’s E-1027, and Scandinavian ideas of hygge. It then shows how those ideas inform a design framework for a psychologically positive home, with implications that extend beyond residential work.
Rather than treating atmosphere as vague or purely intuitive, the webinar argues that architects can approach it as a design problem with observable psychological effects. Attendees will leave with a clear conceptual framework, precedent-based insights, and practical strategies for designing spaces that better support everyday experience, emotional resonance, and human wellbeing.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize the role psychology plays in shaping architectural experience and atmosphere.
- Identify how light, colour, space, and materiality influence perception, mood, comfort, and behaviour.
- Interpret architecture through the lens of psychological and phenomenological principles.
- Apply psychologically informed design strategies to support more thoughtful, human-centred architecture.
Presenters:
Elizabeth Farrell, Architect, Simmonds Architecture (B.Arch M.Arch, OAA)
Elizabeth Farrell is an architect at Simmonds Architecture. She is an alumna of the Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism at Carleton University, where she was awarded a Senate Medal in 2020. Her academic work explored the relationship between psychology and architecture, and she applies her findings in the projects she works on today. She has experience in all stages of mid-rise residential, institutional and community projects across Ontario. Drawing on both practice and research, Elizabeth brings a thoughtful, human-centred perspective to contemporary architectural design.
Elizabeth is fluent in English and French. In her spare time, she is an avid equestrian and dabbles in philosophy.
Pricing:
Licensed OAA Members: $42.50 + HST
OAA Interns and Students: $32.50 + HST
Non-Members: $63.00 + HST
NOTE:
1. An automatically generated confirmation will be emailed to you (once your registration goes through)
2. Please mark the time and date in your calendar
3. The OAA will email the Zoom Access Link to you one-day prior
4. OAA webinars are delivered via Zoom: Please check this Zoom Test Link or speak with your IT Consultant ahead of time, to ensure your device is compatible with Zoom. For technical concerns, please see the Zoom links for Technical Requirements and also their Download Centre.
For more information on the OAA Webinar Series click here.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact
OAA Continuing Education
e: OAAContinuingEducation@oaa.on.ca
t: 416.449.6898 Ext: 232
Attendance Policy: Members are required to attend at least 80% of a webinar in order to qualify for Continuing Education learning hours.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours prior to the webinar in order to receive a refund. Webinar fees are not refunded if the cancellation is received after the deadline or if you are unable to attend.
Note: When registering for an OAA ConEd Webinar, please ensure you are using your Individual, rather than your Practice, account.