Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
@article{205368,
author = {Thunga Kumar Sujal and Dr. Bindhu Ashwini C and Hitesh Chandra and Tejas G and K Dinesh},
title = {Structural Design, Architectural Planning And Mental Health: A Psychoanalytic Interpretation Based On Sigmund Freud’s Theory},
journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
year = {2026},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {6960-6968},
issn = {2349-6002},
url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=205368},
abstract = {The built environment plays a crucial role in shaping human behavior, emotional well-being, and psychological health. With rapid urbanization and increasing dependence on indoor environments, understanding the relationship between architectural design and mental health has become an important interdisciplinary research area. While previous studies have explored the impact of environmental factors such as natural lighting, ventilation, green spaces, acoustic comfort, and spatial organization on psychological well-being, limited attention has been given to interpreting these effects through established psychological theories.
This study examines the influence of structural design and architectural planning on mental health using Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory as a conceptual framework. Freud’s concepts of the Id, Ego, Superego, unconscious mind, and defense mechanisms provide a unique perspective for understanding how physical environments influence emotions, behavior, and psychological responses. A survey involving 57 participants was conducted to investigate public perceptions regarding the impact of architectural features on mental well-being. The results indicate that natural lighting, overall comfort, ventilation quality, and access to green spaces significantly contribute to emotional stability, stress reduction, and improved productivity. Survey findings revealed that approximately 82.5% of respondents agreed that natural daylight positively influences mood and energy levels, while 80.7% believed that green spaces contribute to stress reduction and emotional relaxation. Furthermore, 68.4% of participants acknowledged that building design directly affects mental health outcomes. The findings suggest that architectural spaces function not merely as physical structures but also as psychological environments that influence unconscious processes, emotional regulation, and social behavior.
The study proposes the Freudian Architectural Response Model (FARM), a conceptual framework that links architectural characteristics with psychoanalytic personality structures. The proposed model highlights how human-centered architectural planning can support emotional well-being, strengthen adaptive psychological functioning, and create healthier living environments. The research concludes that integrating psychological principles into architectural design can contribute significantly to improved quality of life and mental health in contemporary urban societies.},
keywords = {Mental Health, Structural Design, Architectural Planning, Psychoanalytic Theory, Sigmund Freud, Environmental Psychology, Human-Centered Design, Built Environment, Emotional Well-being, Urban Health.},
month = {June},
}
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