View from Quebec

A bright and sunny day! The Canadian Museum of Civilization in Hull is a beautiful architectural marvel incorporated with many curved forms. The modern design's fluid forms and flexibility appears to be in total harmony with the natural world, nearly blending in with the surroundings. Indeed, Oscar Niemeyer described his fondness for curved lines described as seductive and flowing, drawing people in. Scientifically speaking, the love of curves is "innate" and stems from a primal drive. According to recent neuroaesthetics studies, people are more likely to find a room attractive when it is filled with curves than when it is filled with straight lines. Another significant neuroimaging study discovered that the amygdala, sometimes known as the "alarm system of the mind" or the region of the brain that processes fear, is activated when we perceive objects with straight or pointed lines. It appears that while curves elicit a calming sense of comfort, straight lines are seen as menacing symbols of inflexible, geometric rationalism. Maybe it is apt that the museum is on the Latin side of the river while the rigid and upright Parliament Hill building is on the other side!

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