Form Factors Future: How Architecture Shapes Our Genetic Legacy

Abstract: 

The phrase "form follows function," coined by architect Louis Sullivan, suggests that design should primarily relate to its intended purpose or function. I propose the term “form factors future” to address how current design influences the future. Architecture's effect extends beyond immediate psychological impact into biological inheritance through epigenetic mechanisms. When architectural forms induce sustained psychological states—whether stress from confined, poorly lit spaces or well-being from biophilic design—these experiences can trigger epigenetic modifications. These modifications, capable of being inherited, suggest that our architectural decisions today may influence the psychological predispositions of future generations. This persistence of architectural impact through epigenetic inheritance makes 'form factors future' both a design philosophy and a biological reality.

"Form factors future" operates within Carl Jung's framework of collective unconscious. Jung theorized that archetypes and spatial experiences contribute to both individual and collective psychological inheritance. Additionally, Richard Neutra Biorealism theory describes the inseparable bond between humans and their natural environment and emphasized its impact on human psychology. Recent discoveries in epigenetic mechanisms may help reveal what Jung and Neutra intuited – every decision regarding our built environment correlates with psychological and physiological health. And further, health impacts in a person’s lifetime can create certain responses and predispositions that are inherited across generations through means beyond direct learning or conscious transmission.

Together, these frameworks imply that architecture shapes immediate experience and contribute to a collectively inherited psychological disposition influencing both our current health and genetic inheritance.

This presentation will be examined through the lenses of Jung’s archetypes using Neutra’s Biorealism to help reveal the parallels of architecture’s subliminal role.  I will explore how these insights can inform more responsible architectural practices by discussing potential design archetypes that influence human psychology and physiology. This perspective transforms architecture from a discipline focused on immediate functionality into one that consciously shapes the psychological and biological inheritance of future generations.

Presenter: Dr Tuwanda Green, AIA

Architect, Adjunct Professor & Managing Principal

doctortutu21@gmail.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tuwanda-green-aia-233524280/

Dr. Tuwanda Green combines over 32 years of architectural expertise with academic excellence, holding a doctorate in Architecture & Design Research from Virginia Tech. As a licensed architect with AIA, NCARB, PMP, LEED BD+C, and WELL AP credentials, she maintains licenses across three states.

As founder of "human." design firm, Dr. Green translates research-backed, nature-based artistic principles into performance-optimizing design solutions. Her approach is enriched by extensive experience in government design projects both domestically and internationally. At Virginia Tech, she teaches her innovative course "Human-Centric Design: The Art and Science," emphasizing research-based, human-centered, and environmentally conscious design principles.

Dr. Green actively shares her expertise through writing, podcasts, conference presentations, and community engagement, collaborating with experts across disciplines. As a board member of the Biophilic Institute, she advances biophilic design concepts and professional networks.

Her current research focuses on developing a biophilic framework that connects design decisions to occupant health and epigenetic impacts. This work aims to create an art and science-based design process that strengthens the business case for biophilic design. Additionally, she is researching the relationship between built environments and loneliness across generations, as well as investigating AI's impact on biophilia.