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SPACES THAT MOVE US - NEUROARCHITECTURE
THE HIPPOCAMPUS
Neuroarchitecture is a multidisciplinary field of research that deals with the interaction between the built environment and the human brain. It combines insights from neuroscience, psychology, architecture, and other related disciplines to understand how the design of spaces and buildings influences our cognitive, emotional, and physiological responses. Our reactions to buildings are influenced by the hippocampus area in the brain. Today, we have advanced scientific tools such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) that allow us to measure brain activity and physiological responses of individuals in different environments.
In simplified terms, neuroarchitecture refers to the various reactions that the user's brain generates when they are in a particular environment. These neural reactions can change the mood and behavior of users in any space both short-term and long-term.
In addition to other parameters, these effects can be measured by analyzing the following parameters:
Brain stimuli (in brain regions that are active during the time the user is in the environment);
- 1. Brain stimuli (in brain regions that are active during the time the user is present in the environment);
- 2. the reactions triggered by the brain in this environment;
- 3. Vital parameters that change in the environment (e.g., heart rate).
SIAMAK HARIRI AND THE BAHÁ'Í TEMPLE
The idea that the built environment has an impact on the well-being and behavior of people is not new. Even in ancient times, builders were intuitively focused on creating spaces that were meant to evoke certain moods and reactions. For example, specific architectural features were used in temples to induce feelings of reverence or spiritual elevation.
The Ted Talk by Siamak Hariri addresses this aspect using the example of the Bahá'í Temple.
LIGHT, FORM, COLORS, LAYOUT...
Neuroarchitecture aims to apply these scientific findings to optimize the design of spaces and buildings. Through the intentional use of colors, shapes, light, materials, and spatial layout, one can, for example, reduce stress, enhance concentration, or create a pleasant atmosphere.
The understanding of neuroarchitecture is increasingly influencing areas such as healthcare, education, and urban planning. It can help to make hospitals more patient-friendly, create more effective learning environments, and design livable cities.
NEUROARCHITECTURE IN HEALTHCARE
Michael Murphy talks in his Ted Talk about the contribution that architecture can make to support healing processes.
Outstanding examples of the application of neuroarchitecture in the design of hospitals and facilities for cancer patients are the Maggie's Centres distributed across the UK, which were designed by Frank Gehry, Heatherwick, Snøhetta, and Zaha Hadid, among others. The latter also designed the Learning and Library Center of WU Vienna.
... IN EDUCATION
Neuroarchitecture is now indispensable, especially in the design of educational institutions. The connection between education and architecture is also addressed by the Homereport 2023. and conceptually captures the interaction under "Edutecture." Edutecture is in trend.
The RIBA Stirling Prize for the best new building in the UK 2021 was awarded to the new Town House of Kingston University, a building complex that cost £50 million to construct. In 2022, the prize was also awarded to an educational institution – the new library of Magdalene College.
Similarly, the library designed by Rem Koolhaas and Joshua Prince-Ramus, the (Seattle Central Library), is an impressive example of how architecture utilizes natural light, flexible spatial design, and innovative space concepts to create an inspiring environment for learning and research.
Education pursues a different pedagogical approach in today's knowledge society than it did during the times of industrialization. In contrast, the appearance of educational institutions, which always reflects the pedagogical, cultural, and social values at the time of their construction, changes only slowly. Exciting concepts and pilot projects are already showing how learning spaces can be rethought. "Advances in neuroarchitecture, such as the influence of air, light, and sounds on human well-being, are revolutionizing the way education is implemented and educational spaces are designed," states Oona Horx Strathern in the Homereport 2023.
The company Ecophon develops, for example, new soundproofing methods for schools and kindergartens to create a quiet learning environment. Acoustic challenges are caused by sound-reflective surfaces but can be reduced with floating acoustic panels. This not only improves the auditory quality but also interestingly enhances the taste of school meals.
SENSE OF SMELL AND SPATIAL EXPERIENCE
The close connection between the sense of smell and spatial experience is also stimulated by new findings in neuroarchitecture. Architects like Steven Hall, Peter Zumthor, and Juhani Pallasmaa advocate for a synesthetic concept of architecture, where smells play as important a role as sight. Alvar Aalto significantly influenced this idea. For him, architecture consists of light, sounds, and smells. His buildings smell of the fragrances of Finnish forests. In spatial planning, scents are now deliberately used to create defining spatial experiences. This strategy is based on the recognition that the identity of a place is not only experienced visually, but primarily olfactorily, and that this very interaction between visual and olfactory stimuli determines the spatial experience.
THE NEUROAESTHETICS - ABOVE THE CLOUDS
In architecture, various neuroesthetic principles such as symmetry, proportions, color schemes, natural materials, light, and shadow also play a significant role in creating aesthetically pleasing environments.
A remarkable and award-winning example of how to design an exclusive residential property according to the principles of neuroarchitecture is the Villa las Nubes in the south of Spain, which is currently part of AKKADIA's portfolio.
She is the perfect example of how neuroesthetic principles can be applied in architecture to create aesthetically pleasing and enjoyable environments that can evoke positive emotional reactions and influence people's well-being.
THE ARCHITECTURE IN ITSELF
Last but not least, this year's Architecture Biennale 2023 in Venice also shows that the interplay of emotions and space is in tune with the times. In the book “The Emotional Power of Space”, the Finnish architect Pallasmaa is quoted, who summarizes this fusion as follows:
"Whenever I enter a space, immediately the space enters me. Architecture is an exchange. I am not looking at architecture, but rather I find the architecture in me."