What is the Cathedral Effect?

The Cathedral Effect refers to the way our thinking can be influenced by our physical environment, particularly the height and expansiveness of the space we are in. This effect suggests that high ceilings can activate concepts related to abstract thinking, while low ceilings are associated with more detailed, analytical thinking 1.

The term derives from the high ceilings typically found in cathedrals, which can promote expansive thinking and abstract reasoning, linked with creativity and broad ideas. In contrast, environments with lower ceilings tend to prime confined concepts and support more focused and detailed work. This effect on cognition is related to the visual inputs our brain receives and processes from our environment 2.

To optimize workspace for productivity, Andrew Huberman recommends working in high-ceilinged rooms or outdoors—places with expansive views—during times when creativity is desired, such as during the nine to sixteen hours after waking according to circadian cycles. For detailed analytic work, he suggests working in environments with lower ceilings, or using physical objects (like wearing a brimmed hat or hoodie) to artificially lower the perceived height of one's visual world, which can enhance focus on detail-oriented tasks 3 4.

The Cathedral Effect is supported by various studies, including one cited by Dr. Huberman titled, "The Influence of Ceiling Height: The Effect of Priming on the Type of Processing People Use," which demonstrated significant differences in the kind of cognitive processing people engage in depending on whether they are in an environment with a high or low ceiling 1.