It’s funny how stepping into certain buildings can make you stand a little taller, while others leave you feeling oddly small. I’ve always wondered how much of that is intentional whether architects design spaces to evoke specific emotions. As someone who spends a lot of time in sterile, utilitarian spaces (thanks, coroner’s office), I’ve grown really curious about the opposite: structures that make people feel bold, capable, or even serene.
One of my favorite examples is the Reading Room at the British Museum. That soaring dome and the way natural light filters down creates this quiet sense of grandeur without being intimidating. It’s like the space whispers, “You belong here.”
Has anyone else noticed a place that just does something to your confidence? Maybe a theater lobby that amps you up before a show (stage managers, I’d love your take) or a library that makes you feel focused? I’d love to hear your standout examples especially if there’s a hidden gem I should visit someday.