GMAT考试写作指导：Issue写作范文八三

　　83. I believe this statement should be interpreted broadly―to mean that we are

　　influenced by the exterior shape of buildings, as well as by the arrangement of multiple

　　buildings and by a buildings various architectural and aesthetic elements. While I doubt

　　that buildings determine our character or basic personality traits, I agree that they can

　　greatly influence our attitudes, moods, and even life styles.

　　On the structural and multi-structural scales, the arrangement of numerous

　　buildings can shape us in profound ways. High-density commercial districts with

　　numerous skyscrapers might result in stressful commuting, short tempers, a feeling of

　　dehumanization, and so on. A campus arrangement of smaller, scattered buildings can

　　promote health, well-being, and stress reduction by requiring frequent brisk outdoor

　　jaunts. Buildings with multiple floors can also shape us, literally, by requiring

　　exercise up and down stairs.

　　As for floor plans and internal space, physical arrangement of workspaces can

　　shape workers attitudes toward work and toward one another. Sitting in small, gray

　　cubicles lined up in militaristic rows is demoralizing, leaving workers with the feeling

　　that they are little more than impersonal cogs of some office machine. But creative

　　design of workspaces in varied arrangements can create feelings of uniqueness and

　　importance in each employee. Workspace relationships that suggest some sort of

　　hierarchy may breed competitiveness among coworkers, and may encourage a more

　　bureaucratic approach to work.

　　Finally, as for aesthetic elements, the amount of light and location of windows in a

　　building can shape us in significant psychological ways. For most people, daily tasks

　　are more enjoyable in settings with plenty of natural light and at least some natural

　　scenery. Choice of colors can influence our mood, concentration, and efficiency.

　　Numerous psychological studies show that different colors influence behavior, attitudes,

　　and emotions in distinctly different ways. Yellow enhances appetite, blue has a

　　tranquilizing effect, and gray is the color of choice for companies who want their

　　workers to be subservient.

　　In sum, our buildings, the space around them and the space within them, can

　　affect us in important ways that influence our outlook on life, relationships with

　　coworkers, and even physical health and well-being.