Author Archives: Genetics of Design

Faces of Japan

Posted on November 13, 2015 by Genetics of Design

Have you ever looked at a house and felt it was looking back? Did the windows, doors and threshold resemble a friendly face? Now that I’m attuned to our subconscious bias for faces, I’m on constant lookout for buildings that … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Patterns, People-centric Design | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

The Joy of Modern Houses

Posted on September 25, 2015 by Genetics of Design

The first time I toured a modern house, it was love at first sight. Heart racing. Pulse pounding. Face flushing. Love. Or maybe lust. Either way, once I met a house with cathedral ceilings, I never went back. Humongous windows. … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Design, Health | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Architecture that Calls to Us

Posted on September 20, 2015 by Genetics of Design

I was heading to the beach the other day when I saw this barn at a nearby local orchard, and I knew I’d have to stop by. The barn seemed to have wide eyes that met my gaze and called … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Patterns | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Drives Me Crazy

Posted on September 15, 2015 by Genetics of Design

Donna called at 5pm with a last-minute request, “Can you give me a lift to Bedford? I promised to have dinner with my parents and my car’s in the shop.” “Sure” I said, not realizing that a 10-mile drive during rush … Continue reading →

Posted in City Planning, Exercise, Health, Walkability | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Allure of Repeated Patterns

Posted on September 2, 2015 by Genetics of Design

The main draw of the new Broad Museum slated to open in Los Angeles on September 22 is the eye-catching pattern on the building’s skin. Humans are captivated by repeating patterns: dots, diamonds, circles, cross hatches, ovals, stripes, spirals, scallops, … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Design, Patterns | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

No Faces – We’ll Affix That!

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Genetics of Design

How We Add Faces to Blank Places Humans are drawn to faces. Our brains are built to see them. Indeed, more of our brain is engaged in facial recognition than the recognition of any other visual object, says neuroscientist Eric … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Design | Tagged , | 2 Comments

The Primal Vista: Why We Crave Water Views

Posted on August 20, 2015 by Genetics of Design

Every summer, Mark and I reserve one vacation week for a trip to the quaint Cape Cod town of Wellfleet, Massachusetts. No chateau in Chinon, palazzo in Paris or castle in Cardiff, just a few rooms with a view—an ocean view. Like many … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Health, Primal Vista | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Why We Love Buildings that Look at Us …

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Genetics of Design

A few months ago, I attended an unusual high school reunion.  It was a special ‘tea’ for the alumnae of a girl’s high school which was getting its first major renovation in more than fifty years—and the grads were invited … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Following Fractals

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Genetics of Design

“God is in the details.” – Ludwig Mies van der Rohe As New England emerged from a record-breaking snowy winter, I watched trees blossom overnight into intricate patterns against a blue sky. Without thinking, I grabbed my iPhone and pointed … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Design, Fractals | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Designing Inside-Out: How Hillary’s Video Grabs your Mind in Milliseconds

Posted on May 10, 2015 by Genetics of Design

Hillary Clinton’s video officially launching her presidential campaign came out last month and we still can’t get enough of it. Why? It’s a picture-perfect demonstration of how the human brain works, what it’s built to focus on, and how it … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment