Neurourbanism and Neuroarchitecture: How can Cognitive Sciences Inform Design?

Abstract

Research on the relationship between the built environment and human perception, behaviour and experience is by no means new to the fields of architectural and urban studies. Relevant traditional methods used to address these issues include post-occupancy surveys, ethnographic and phenomenological approaches as well as observations of behaviours and movements in spatial settings (e.g. space syntax). However, a fresh perspective into the embodied experience of the built environment comes to complement these attempts. Neuroacrhitecture and neurourbanism are two emerging research fields that take advantage of the advancements in neuroscientific knowledge, and cutting-edge technology e.g. VR and biosensing (eye-tracking, EEG) to gain a deeper understanding of the brain-body-environment relationship. These fields are rapidly gaining traction and the translation of research findings into evidence-based design parameters is vital for creating spaces that fit our situated emotional and cognitive needs. The paper adopts a theoretical stance inviting the reader to re-imagine how neuroscientific knowledge on the mind-body-environment interaction can be generated and translated in formats that can inform architectural and urban design. The paper offers a brief review of the neural turn in architectural and urban studies, followed by a detailed discussion of the main challenges (and potential remedies) related to the translation of such biological evidence into design research and practice. The paper aims to draw attention to the potential valuable contribution of neuroarchitecture and neurourbanism in evidence-based design practices and the development of urban policies that can positively shape our everyday experience.