The subreddit ‘Evil Buildings’ and its 1.1 million members regularly share examples of architecture that embodies this sinister vibe—whether it’s a structure that could be chosen by a supervillain as their lair, could serve as the headquarters for a wicked corporation, or simply looks so creepy that it feels as if it’s alive and watching you. Enter if you dare. “From a psychological point of view, the standard features of haunted houses trigger feelings of dread because they push buttons in our brains that evolved long before houses even existed,” McAndrew writes. “These alarm buttons warn us of potential danger and motivate us to proceed with caution.” “This ambivalence leaves you frozen in place, wallowing in unease,” McAndrew explains. For example, it would be considered bizarre and embarrassing to run screaming out of a house that makes you feel uneasy if there is nothing to fear. But on the other hand, it could be perilous to ignore your intuition and remain in a place that feels dangerous. If it turns out to be a gust of wind or a stray cat, you lose very little, if anything, by overreacting. But if you fail to activate the alarm response and a true threat is present, the consequences of your miscalculation could be very high. “Things that activate hypervigilance for malevolent supernatural (or natural) agents abound in large, drafty old houses: rattling or creaking sounds in upstairs rooms; the sighing and moaning of wind passing through cracks; ragged curtains fluttering in the breeze; echoes; and cold spots.” “We feel uncomfortable when our personal space is violated anywhere, but especially so in situations where we feel as if escape will become difficult.” Such feelings of discomfort are symptomatic of the fact that we are constantly—even if unconsciously—scanning our surroundings and evaluating our ability to flee if it should become necessary. Consequently, evil buildings are our worst nightmares. “Stimuli such as moldy odors, antiquated Victorian or Gothic architecture, wood interiors, and old portraits on the wall reinforce an ambiance of great age,” he says. “Assuming that the house is no longer occupied, signs of life suddenly interrupted and frozen in time only amplify the fear factor.” Follow Bored Panda on Google News! Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda! Please use high-res photos without watermarks Ooops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.
