Our surroundings affect our happiness in ways we often don’t
notice. The layout of a room, the amount of clutter in our home,
and even small changes to lighting can shape our mood, focus, and
relationships.
As The Happiness Lab continues its spring cleaning series, Dr.
Laurie sits down with University of Virginia Professor Leidy
Klotz, author of In a Good Place, to explore the hidden ways our
spaces shape our inner lives. Why do certain places make us feel
calm, connected, and grounded, while others leave us distracted
or drained?
From creating more connection at home to using our surroundings
to remember loved ones we’ve lost, these practical ideas will
refresh your space and your wellbeing.
Experts Mentioned:
Leidy Klotz, professor of engineering and architecture at the
University of Virginia
Nelson Mandela, anti-apartheid activist and former president
of South Africa
Jane Jacobs, writer and urban activist
Resources Mentioned:
In a Good Place: How the Spaces Where We Live, Work, and Play
Can Help Us Thrive, by Leidy Klotz (2026)
Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less by Leidy Klotz (2021)
“Spatial Patterns of Solar Photovoltaic System Adoption: The
Influence of Neighbors and the Built Environment” by Marcello
Graziano and Kenneth Gillingham (Journal of Economic Geography,
2015).
“Fire Drill: Inattentional Blindness and Amnesia for the
Location of Fire Extinguishers” by Alan D Castel, Michael
Vendetti, and Keith J Holyoak. (Attention, Perception, &
Psychophysics, 2012)
“Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic
Motivation, Social Development, and Well-Being” by Richard M.
Ryan and Edward L. Deci (American Psychologist, 2000).
“Neighborhoods and Violent Crime: A Multilevel Study of
Collective Efficacy” by Robert J. Sampson, Stephen W. Raudenbush,
and Felton Earls (Science, 1997).
“When Choice Is Demotivating: Can One Desire Too Much of a
Good Thing?” by Sheena S. Iyengar and Mark R. Lepper (Journal of
Personality and Social Psychology, 2000).
Related Episodes:
"Choice Overload" by The Happiness Lab (2019).
"How to Make Better Choices (with Barry Schwartz)" by The
Happiness Lab (2025).
"How to Design a More Meaningful Life (with Dave Evans and
Bill Burnett)" by The Happiness Lab (2026).
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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