Neuroarchitecture, neuroaesthetics, & Biophilia in Designed Spaces

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WHEN DISCUSSING intangible factors of wholesome design that please us aesthetically and make us feel better, the need to understand the psychology of our reactions arises.

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It is no wonder that with over 90% of our lives spent indoors, the spaces in which we live, learn, work, sleep, and heal are shaped by the action and interaction we experience in those designed spaces. The design of indoor environments influences our mood, cognitive abilities, and even circadian rhythms.

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The ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui represents an early attempt to understand and manipulate psychological reactions to designed spaces, aiming to create indoor environments that harness energies and appeal to a broader audience. Building upon this objective with modern psychology, recent studies have sought to identify specific visual and spatial stimuli that trigger certain neurological responses.

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The exploration of cognitive processes underlying human experiences and reactions in designed spaces has given rise to a new scientific category called neuroarchitecture.

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This emerging field inspires evidence-based architectural design principles to enrich the quality of human interaction and engagement.

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Over the past decade, neuroarchitecture studies have consistently proven positive neurological and psychological responses when biophilic design principles (natural elements, plants, natural lighting, textures, fractal patterns, and curves) are incorporated into designed spaces.

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Biophilia is the idea that humans have an innate connection to and inherent love of nature, which is crucial for our physical and mental well-being. Spaces designed with biophilia in mind have been proven to increase the overall well-being of occupants.

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By employing neuroarchitecture and biophilic design principles, designers not only create spaces that foster better interactions, but also craft desirable environments where occupants can thrive physically, mentally, and socially. Mindful design using these principles enhances occupants’ overall well-being.

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In parallel with neuroarchitecture, the field of neuroaesthetics emerged as a crucial component in understanding our response to designed spaces. Neuroaesthetics explores how our brains process and respond to aesthetic experiences, including those within built environments. This discipline provides insights into why certain design elements, particularly those rooted in nature, evoke positive emotional and cognitive responses.

Neuroaesthetics research has shown that exposure to aesthetically pleasing environments, especially those incorporating natural elements, can stimulate the release of neurotransmitters associated with pleasure and well-being. This reinforces the importance of biophilic design in creating spaces that not only look beautiful, but also actively contribute to our psychological and physiological health.

By combining principles from neuroarchitecture, neuroaesthetics, and biophilic design, designers can create spaces that are not just visually appealing, but neurologically optimized for human well-being. These interdisciplinary approaches provide a scientific foundation for creating environments that truly resonate with our innate preferences and support our overall health and happiness.

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“People in materially developed cultures spend over 90% of their lives in buildings. Every day, the architecture we inhabit envelopes our mind and body and influences how we feel and behave. The design of our built environment can modulate how comfortable or focused we feel in each moment and can influence hormonal patterns, speed of recovery from surgery, and long-term cardiac health.” *

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*Psychological and Neural Responses to Architectural Interiors, Alexander Coburn, et al.