Architectural Impact on Economy / By: Yongxin Zheng
Architecture is one of the most fundamental aspects of human life, yet it is slowly being tarnished into repetitive, mundane concrete slabs. The attractiveness of architecture can be debated but there is a general consensus that even small details like column facades and arches add a lot to a building. These details generate better architecture which in turn, improves the vitality of the economy, patient health, and even working abilities. The architectural environment can facilitate beneficial psychological functions in learning, social behavior, and emotional wellness. For example, red environments can improve detail-oriented mental tasks while blue is associated with enhanced creativity. In contrast, monotonous interior architecture impedes the navigational skills of Alzheimer's patients while more detailed architecture improves it. (Coburn, Vartanian, et al, 2017). In an interview with AGi, Stefania Rendinelli, one of AGi’s senior architects, says in response to whether or not design and architecture can contribute to the patient's recuperation, he states “Spatial quality is one of the basic tools for people to stay healthy and happy. Factors such as ventilation, light or scale are basic, but we can’t forget either elements such as comfort or even beauty, which are essential for patients’ wellbeing.” Many of the most visited places have a rich architectural history. Just look at France, a country that earned approximately 211 billion euros in 2019 from travel and tourism alone. (Statista, 2021). France earned around 2,700 billion euros (World Bank, 2019), meaning that the tourism industry singlehandedly accounted for 8% of France’s national income . To gain a better understanding of the general attitude around architecture and tourism, I interviewed Sasha Dragonshanskiy, a student from Walter Payton with experience traveling around the world. Sasha travels to different countries “To visit historical landmarks, nature (national parks), and sometimes to visit family members.” When asked if he feels others share the same reason for traveling? “I definitely think so.” Sasha enjoys discovering, “Landmarks and nature because it is interesting to see different places and also because nature is not the same everywhere. Historical landmarks are also very interesting to see, especially in person after reading a lot about them” He has visited France, Spain, Russia, and several of the States.