by John P. Eberhard with a Forward by Rita Carter

O.K., so it’s not a catchy title. Nor is it a particularly catchy book, but it addresses a topic that's becoming increasingly catchy. What is the role of the brain in our perception of architecture? How can we better understand the effect different types of architecture have on the brain, so as to create architecture that the brain responds to positively? In some ways it’s a bit of a no-brainer really: if we can isolate the architectural characteristics to which we intuitively respond, we can design more responsive buildings.

Eberhard’s book attempts to distill a complicated topic into terms an attentive general reader can grasp. I’m not sure I was attentive enough. It’s a tough slog. I agree wholeheartedly with his premise that architects would find it “useful to know that there was some solid evidence based on fundamental studies to back up their intuitions.” It’s just that I hoped I’d find that evidence at the ready in the pages of his book.

What I did find was a welcome introduction to the field of neuroscience. In an early chapter on our sensory systems, I learned that we have six senses not five. The new-to-me sixth sense is called proprioception. “It tells us where our body is in space –- what is up and what is down, how to catch a ball, and how to find objects in the dark,” Eberhard explains. Clearly this sense is critical to how we perceive architecture, but we're not particularly conscious of it.

Turns out a lot of what we’re responding to in our environment happens on a subconscious level. Emotions work this way. We can have an emotional

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Q: Can you offer any general guidelines for helping the overwhelmed home renovator on a tight budget set priorities? I’m buying another fixer-upper after selling my first one and was wondering how we can be more strategic with renovations this time ‘round. Are there things you always recommend tackling first? Things that I can ignore for awhile? Things you suggest that are almost always a worthwhile investment?

Gerry from Concord, MA

A: It may not be sexy, but deal with the infrastructure first. Address any moisture and/or structural issues as well as inadequate drainage systems. Upgrade outmoded electrical, plumbing, and heating systems so they’re both safe and efficient. Remove hazardous materials, like asbestos insulation or siding. Consider lead abatement if you have young children. Install life-safety devices such as smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Get rid of any bugs, rodents, or other pests. There’s no point investing in reconfiguring space or adding a family room if the existing house is likely to rot around you, collapse, make you sick, or catch fire.

Once you’ve made the necessary improvements to the infrastructure, determine the minimal additional changes that will make it livable enough to move in. That might mean removing old carpeting, refinishing floors, and

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An enclosed porch invites low winter light deep within it to brighten spirits and enliven neighboring spaces. It provides an intimate get-away that’s still visually connected with the larger, adjacent, living spaces. It improves those by offering a buffer to the street, and an additional destination.

This used to be an open-air, front porch with a wrap-around, shingled half-wall, topped by stout columns. Since it’s close to the street, it was loud and infrequently used. Now that it’s enclosed, it’s one of the most popular rooms in the house. To the left you can see the living room doorway, which was once the front-door opening. The original double-hung windows, next to it, remain and welcome borrowed light (from the newer porch casements) into the living room.

This is my parents' enclosed porch, painted my mother's favorite pale green-blue, coupled with flattering cream-colored trim. She had extra deep window sills built to accommodate her many plant treasures. She has a knack for creating cozy spaces, outfitting this one with wicker furniture and assorted chairs around an antique, flip-top table. My parents' enclosed porch is one of my favorite spots to visit over breakfast or tea. You might be surprised how enclosing your porch could improve your living space.

by Katie Hutchison for the House Enthusiast

Recognize that hearth? I’d be remiss if I didn’t feature this authentic Shaker stove. Like most Shaker designs, it’s both an efficient and enlightened creation. To me, it has the proportions and charm of a favorite pet. When designing for today’s homeowner who favors a stream-lined look, I often recommend a Rais stove (manufactured in Europe). It’s a contemporary alternative for those with a taste for the minimal but who aren’t fortunate enough to have a Shaker original. Once again the Shaker aesthetic proves timeless.

by Katie Hutchison for the House Enthusiast

I enjoy the beach in the winter, and a simple boardwalk, like this one, in any season. It gracefully echoes the shoreline that it borders. Barely elevated, it charts a pleasing path. Its destination is just far enough out of sight to keep the curious in pursuit. It invites us to respectfully engage with our natural environment, to appreciate a fragile landscape, while treading lightly. I would follow a boardwalk like this wherever it may lead.

by Katie Hutchison for the House Enthusiast