The Cathedral Effect

We know that the details (about lighting, temperature, room layout, furniture, plants) of a space are critical.

We know that these details contribute to how we feel and how we subsequently act.

This phenomenon is known as the Cathedral Effect. And you have felt it I am sure when you have walked into a space with high ceilings – like a church – and you have felt it when you have walked into a space with low ceilings – like a wood workshop.

You feel different in these spaces. High ceilings tend to see humans thing big, and low ceilings see people focussed and thinking very concretely.

When it comes to culture, are we really thinking how our spaces change our behaviours – moods – and ways of working? This applies to both our physical spaces and digital spaces (which are easy to clutter).