Neuroesthetics: The Influence of Design on Human Experience
Nowadays, attention to mental health and well-being—not only physical but also emotional and psychological—has become an increasing focus not just in clinical settings but also in relation to numerous everyday factors. A notable example is the White January campaign, which emphasized this urgency, inviting us to reflect on mental and emotional well-being. In this scenario, neuroaesthetics and neuroarchitecture emerge as fields that serve as allies in this pursuit. They are not merely academic disciplines; they are practical approaches that seek to understand how our physical environment affects our psychological state. Neuroaesthetics, in particular, studies the relationship between aesthetic perception and neurological processes, as highlighted by Colin Ellard, a psychologist at the University of Waterloo and author of Places of the Heart: The Psychogeography of Everyday Life (2015).
Neuroaesthetics and neuroarchitecture play an important role in proposing spaces that, beyond meeting a functional need or presenting an aesthetic suited to that purpose, also promote mental health, a sense of comfort, and emotional value. By examining the natural intersection of these fields with neuroscience and psychology, we can understand new models for the work of architects and designers. This multidisciplinary approach offers a perspective in which we can comprehend and shape our environment in a more conscious and responsive manner to human needs.
The relevance of both topics, which ultimately merge in design practice, is evident in the growing demand for spaces that not only function well but also promote the emotional and mental well-being of their users. At a time when stress and anxiety are common challenges in our daily lives, architecture and design are beginning to play a fundamental role in this context. They are no longer considered merely “art” or “lifestyle” but are now understood as tools that can profoundly influence how we experience and interact with our environments—whether in living, working, learning, shopping, leisure, or any other activities. With this focus, it is highly relevant to explore the concepts and practical applications that illustrate how neuroaesthetics and neuroarchitecture are shaping architecture and design aimed at generating high-quality experiences.
Neuroaesthetics, as the name itself suggests, arises from the intersection between neuroscience and aesthetics, exploring how our brain reacts to experiences related to the perception of "beauty." This approach has gained prominence in recent decades through research that seeks to better understand how various sensory perceptions—not only visual—affect our emotional well-being. A well-known researcher in this field is Anjan Chatterjee, professor of neurology at the University of Pennsylvania and author of The Aesthetic Brain: How We Evolved to Desire Beauty and Enjoy Art (2013). His work provides a basis for understanding how beauty is perceived and processed by the human brain.
The foundation of neuroaesthetics comes from the idea that aesthetic experience is not just a matter of personal taste but is also intrinsically linked to cultural and geographical conditions, among others, as well as to our brain biology. This approach unfolds into several principles. Firstly, the field studies how visual perception—ranging from colors and shapes to patterns and symmetry—affects our emotional and cognitive state. For example, research indicates that certain spatial configurations or color patterns can induce relaxation or stimulation. Moreover, neuroaesthetics delves into how art and design evoke emotional responses. It is not just about the “beautiful,” but about how the composition of a space or object can evoke feelings of tranquility, joy, or inspiration. This aspect is crucial for understanding how environments can contribute to mental well-being. The influence of aesthetic stimuli on the brain suggests that design and architecture have the power to go beyond mere visual appeal, shaping human experiences in a profound way.
This theoretical foundation provides a starting point for exploring how neuroaesthetics can be applied in the practice of architecture and design. By understanding how our minds react to different aesthetic elements, professionals in these fields can make better design decisions that meet functional needs while also promoting a meaningful and healthy human experience.
Neuroarchitecture, in turn, encompassing neuroaesthetics within its conceptual framework, seeks to understand how the environment affects human behavior and well-being. Although the practice may seem new, its roots trace back to the fundamental idea that the spaces we inhabit influence how we feel and behave—a notion already explored by Winston Churchill when he stated: “We shape our buildings, and thereafter our buildings shape us.” Today, this perspective is expanding, supported by advancements in brain imaging technology and neuroscience research, offering a deeper understanding of this dynamic relationship.
In practical terms, neuroarchitecture is manifested through design that, beyond fulfilling functional and aesthetic requirements, also considers the psychological and physical impact on its users. John Zeisel, a sociologist and author of Inquiry by Design: Environment/Behavior/Neuroscience in Architecture, Interiors, Landscape, and Planning (2006), argues that design can and should be informed by an understanding of how the environment influences the brain and human behavior. Spaces designed in this way, according to Zeisel, have the power to promote health, well-being, creativity, productivity, and even optimize the healing process.
Applying neuroarchitecture, and consequently neuroaesthetics, can help in designing various types of environments—from offices that use biophilic design strategies to increase productivity and reduce stress to hospitals designed to qualitatively optimize patient recovery, provide psychological comfort to their families and caregivers, and reduce clinical staff fatigue. Similarly, school projects use neuroarchitecture to create learning environments that improve concentration, cognitive development, and knowledge absorption. Every design decision, whether in the color of a wall, the intensity and type of lighting, or the acoustics of a room, is made based on scientific criteria about how these elements affect students’ emotions and behavior.
Neuroarchitecture not only redefines spatial aesthetics but also enriches our understanding of the impact that the environment has on us. This field invites architects and designers to think beyond form, aesthetics, and function, but to propose spaces that resonate with the complexity of human experience. Through neuroarchitecture, employing neuroaesthetics, design becomes a scientifically grounded tool for improving people’s quality of life.
This approach becomes clearer when we analyze its practical applicability—that is, how neuroscience is effectively transforming the way we think about space and human interaction with the environment. These design dynamics involve a theoretical and practical understanding of how visual, tactile, auditory, and sensory elements in general can influence our emotional and mental well-being. For example, architect and researcher Juhani Pallasmaa, in his work The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses (2005), emphasizes the importance of considering all senses in design, arguing that a complete sensory experience creates more immersive and emotionally resonant spaces.
The central idea is that sensory design is not just about aesthetics but about creating an environment that connects with us on an emotional level. This can be achieved through the careful use of colors, which can evoke specific feelings; or through acoustics, where sound is carefully controlled to create a relaxing atmosphere; or through texture, which also plays a fundamental role, with materials that invite touch and foster a deeper connection with space, as well as countless other design techniques.
Today we have additional design strategies for creating experiences through design proposals, such as "emotional ergonomics," which presents itself as an important aspect in the conception of environments that meet physical needs while also supporting mental health and well-being. This includes considering how spaces can reduce stress, promote social interaction, and facilitate concentration and even contemplation. Ergonomic-emotional design involves creating environments that help people feel safe, comfortable, and inspired.
Sustainability, which was previously considered primarily on a macro scale, is now intrinsically linked to mental well-being. Spaces that incorporate natural elements—such as lighting, ventilation, organic composition, hybrid structures (interior/exterior), and various strategic biophilic design resources—are not only sustainable from an environmental standpoint but also have a positive impact on the physical and mental health of their occupants. This connection between sustainable design and human well-being is supported by studies showing that contact with nature can reduce stress and improve mood.
By integrating these concepts into design practice, we begin to propose spaces that enrich the user experience, offering environments that care for both body and mind. This holistic vision of design reflects a deeper understanding of how we are influenced by the world around us and how we can create spaces that genuinely improve our quality of life.
Several case studies illustrate the practice of neuroarchitecture, demonstrating how design decisions based on neuroscientific studies can promote mental and physical well-being through the built environment. A notable example is Maggie's Cancer Care Centre, designed by Richard Rogers in 2008 in London. Rogers, known for his human-centered approach to architecture, created a space that provides emotional and psychological support to cancer patients and their families. The integration of abundant natural light, views of therapeutic gardens, and the use of colors and materials that evoke nature exemplify a practical application of neuroarchitecture. These biophilic design strategies aim to reduce stress and promote healing.
The evaluation of the impact of these spaces on the mental health and well-being of users has shown promising results. In the case of Maggie's Centre, studies indicated that patients and families who used the center reported a sense of calm and relief, attributed to the space’s design. The architecture of the center was carefully planned to encourage positive social interactions, provide privacy when necessary, and foster user autonomy—fundamental principles of neuroarchitecture.
Another project that exemplifies the application of neuroaesthetics is the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, designed by Snøhetta. The building’s façade, with its reflective panels, serves as more than just a visually striking element; it creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that shifts throughout the day, influencing the internal atmosphere and contributing to users’ mood, attentional focus, and behavior. Analyzing this project highlights how aesthetic elements, when carefully integrated, can transform a public space into an environment of learning and discovery—one that stimulates the mind, fosters creativity, encourages social interaction, and promotes well-being.
Although neuroarchitecture and neuroaesthetics are gaining traction in the worlds of design and architecture, they still face significant challenges in their practical integration. One of the primary obstacles is the need for closer collaboration between architects, designers, and neuroscientists. Translating neuroscientific findings into applicable design principles is not a simple task. Sarah Williams Goldhagen, author of Welcome to Your World: How the Built Environment Shapes Our Lives (2017), argues that while we have an increasingly refined understanding of how environments affect our brains and behavior, the practical application of these discoveries in design is still in its early stages.
Looking toward the near future, there is cautious optimism about the potential of neuroarchitecture and, consequently, neuroaesthetics. With advancements in brain mapping technologies and the growing recognition of the importance of human-centered design, these disciplines are expected to become more deeply integrated into architectural and design practice. The increasing awareness of the role of mental health and well-being in various environments also drives this integration forward. Neuroarchitecture holds immense potential to innovate the way we design spaces and understand our relationship with the built environment.
With so many new discoveries emerging every day, the coming years promise to be an era of continuous exploration and innovation. As more data becomes available and interdisciplinary collaborations strengthen, neuroarchitecture and neuroaesthetics can provide new approaches for creating environments that are increasingly meaningful to human experience. This evolution will benefit professionals and scholars in these fields while also generating a positive and lasting impact on society as a whole, as we move toward a future in which design is increasingly grounded in human understanding.
Steven Holl, in Questions of Perception: Phenomenology of Architecture (2007), invites us to consider that architecture is more than just the construction of spaces; it is the creation of atmospheres that profoundly affect our experiences and perceptions. It is at this intersection of space, perception, and emotion that neuroaesthetics and neuroarchitecture find their true value. These disciplines challenge us to look beyond conventional approaches, to think of design not just in terms of aesthetics and functionality but as a means of promoting health and well-being.
For professionals and scholars in architecture and design, this serves as a call to integrate the principles of neuroaesthetics and neuroarchitecture into their work, creating spaces that honor and enhance the complexity of human experience. For society at large, it is an opportunity to recognize and value the spaces we inhabit—not just as physical constructions but as essential backdrops for our mental and emotional well-being. As we move forward, integrating neuroscience into design is not just a possibility; it is a promising path toward a future in which spaces work in harmony with human nature.
