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Architecture is art, and like all art it has the ability to affect our emotions. Personally for me grey, tired looking, dirty urban areas make me feel somewhat depressed. Whereas interesting, orderly, older architecture lifts my mood. This is why millions of tourists, artists, and photographers flock to Paris and Venice, rather than Johannesburg or Guatemala City.
I would say definitely so for myself. I found my working life very stressful. My homes have always been around woods, lakes, etc. and I’ve found that a simple stroll in even just that bit of “nature” takes the edge off. I also enjoy seeing whatever wildlife the immediate neighborhood can provide.
In fact, when we were getting ready to paint the interior, I had commented how much I missed green during the winter. My wife found this color with a hint of green to it that is just perfect.
Growing up in the Chicago area molded my conception of "natural" environments in ways I didn't realize until I left. I went to college in a small town in a different Midwestern state where the tallest buildings were four-story campus buildings, and I noticed (less so as I got used to the place) that the absence of taller buildings gave me a bit of an agoraphobic feeling. It's like higher apartment towers and office buildings make me feel "protected".
Even here in Reno, I found a residential area west of downtown with a couple 10-story apartment buildings, and as soon as I saw them I felt more at home. (I think the gaudy bright lights and retro signs keep me from getting that same feeling from the casinos downtown - but I have felt that from other small-city downtowns I've been in.)
Ireland had St. Patrick to drive out its snakes, hopefully London has been blessed by St. Ambrose to take care of any pesky bees...
“That being said, if you live in an ugly city, then there are ways to remedy that. One is to add more trees to the street (as discussed on a different thread) and adding some vertical garden walls.” I always thought London was a lovely town, but even its most ardent supporters seem to think otherwise...hopefully the lipstick helps to spruce up Chelsea and the Thames...
Ireland had St. Patrick to drive out its snakes, hopefully London has been blessed by St. Ambrose to take care of any pesky bees...
“That being said, if you live in an ugly city, then there are ways to remedy that. One is to add more trees to the street (as discussed on a different thread) and adding some vertical garden walls.” I always thought London was a lovely town, but even its most ardent supporters seem to think otherwise...hopefully the lipstick helps to spruce up Chelsea and the Thames...
Haha! London is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I was referring to cities that are unfortunate due to circumstance, such as the cities previously mentioned above.
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