Ever wonder why some environments seem to spark creativity & imagination while other environments might encourage focus & productivity? This effect on us isn’t by accident, it’s a result of intentional design.

In the field of environmental psychology, studies have shown that the spaces we place ourselves in can powerfully shape our thinking. Research proves that working in an environment with high ceilings can promote broad, abstract & creative thinking. In contrast, low ceilings tend to support concrete, detail-oriented thinking.

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What is the Cathedral Effect?

This principle is known as “The Cathedral Effect” which states that our physical environment can influence our thoughts, emotions & actions. Whether we realize it or not, the relationship between ceiling height can influence how we approach problem solving & creative thinking.

Restaurants & retail stores are well informed in environmental psychology & often use subliminal tactics to influence our decisions. Companies will use psychology to design their spaces & layout that increases the likelihood of a sale. One example can be found when purchasing a car, dealerships often display vehicles in spacious, high-ceiling showrooms. However when it’s time to review paperwork & finalize contract details, the setting often shifts to a smaller room with lower ceiling. You might even be surprise to learn how much time & effort your local grocery store puts into the layout of their shopping center. All to design an environment that influences your behavior & maximizes sales. Sneaky, yet effective.

This principle is also evident in the medical field. It’s well known that most surgical operating rooms feature low-ceilings, this design is intended to help surgeons focus more during long procedures.

Even in Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone, we find an example of the Cathedral Effect. When Harry walks into the great hall, the high ceilings capture his imagination. He describes them as seeming to “open to the heavens,” illustrating how our environment can shape our thoughts & emotions.

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The Science behind the Cathedral Effect?

This phenomenon was first introduced by Edward T Hall in the 1960s when he observed that small chapels can make people feel confined & restricted, whereas awe-inspiring cathedrals promoted a sense of freedom and openness.

In 2007, researchers Joan Meyers-Levy and Juliet Zhu conducted an in-depth study that further supported Hall’s theory on ceiling height. Their findings showed that the volume and spaciousness of a room not only affected participants’ emotions and thought processes but influenced their actions as well.

[Insert Image] - "Leave Home. Distance & difference are the secret tonic of creativity. When we get home, home is still the same. But something in our mind has been changed, and that changes everything.” - Jonah Lelver

How can we use the Cathedral Effect?

If companies use psychology to influence our behaviors in the name of capitalism, then why not use that same psychology to influence our own decisions in the name of creativity or productivity.

How do we take advantage of this psychological phenomenon known as the Cathedral Effect? By design. By intentionally deciding which environment we place ourselves in. Deciding ahead of time where we’ll work, in an setting that supports the results we’re trying to achieve.

If we’re going to do detailed, focused or very task-specific work, then placing ourselves in a smaller environment with lower ceilings & less stimulations, is ideal. For example, if you needed to do some admin work, file your taxes or crunch some numbers for next quarter’s budget. Then a low ceiling environment naturally supports this kind of narrow, focused thinking. Even something as simple as wearing a brimmed hat or putting a hoody on can be beneficial. This creates a senses of tunnel vision which subconsciously encourage more focus minded work & greater concentration.

For tasks that involve creativity, abstract thinking, or brainstorming, a more expansive environment would be better suited. For instance, a large library or high-ceiling room (ideally 10 feet or more) will do. Even getting outside & into nature with no ceiling can encourage imaginative thinking. After all, the sky is the limit.

It’s worth bearing in mind that the Cathedral Effect is a cognitive bias, which is more of a nudge & not a controlling factor. One can still be creative in a low-ceiling environment & still do focused work in a high-ceiling environment.

However, the way you design your environment can significantly impact the results you’re trying to achieve. Studies have shown that even a small change in ceiling height, such as from 8 feet to 10 feet, can make a noticeable difference in how people think. This highlights the power of intentionally choosing spaces that align with our goals, helping us perform at our best.

[Insert Image] - “You are a product of your environment. So choose the environment that will best develop you toward your objective.” - W. Clement Stone

How can we apply the Cathedral Effect to design our lives?

What are some ways we can strategically apply this principle when it comes to designing our lives? Often times new locations will spark new inspirations. So when I find myself in an inspiring place I will make note of it. Keeping track of these settings allows me to easily reference them later when I’m in need of inspiration.

These places are known as “3rd spaces.” While our 1st & 2nd spaces are our home & workplace where we spend most of our time, 3rd spaces are informal public gathering place outside of home & work. 3rd spaces can be social or leisure spots, like your favorite lounge or sports bar, or they can be community oriented like a church or local YMCA. Lots of people keep track of their favorite 3rd spaces for the benefits of their social & community oriented settings. Personally, I keep track of the 3rd spaces that energize me to do inspiring & creative work. Whether that’s a bookstore, museum, an artsy cafe, creative co-working space or spot with a scenic view. (Stay tuned for more on 3rd spaces in a future post).

When visiting or working in some of these spaces, I make special note if they fall into the Cathedral Effect category. Environments with higher than normal ceilings get a special tag in my database, allowing me to easily filter for these environments when I’m looking to brainstorm or do creative, expansive work.

Having my own 3rd spaces database has become a valuable too when it comes to living my life by design. It’s allowed me to easily & intentionally navigate the environments I place myself in, creating a more design & desirable experience. I’ve made my 3rd spaces database available as a free resource below, so you can easily keep track of your favorite places for work or leisure. A tutorial on how to use & customize the free template is included as well. Enjoy!

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[Insert image] - "We shape our buildings; thereafter, they shape us." — Winston Churchill