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EEG Recording Cap Via Wikimedia Commons

The importance of urban design goes far beyond feel-good aesthetics. A number of studies have shown that growing up in a city doubles the chances of someone developing schizophrenia, and increases the risk for other mental disorders such as depression and chronic anxiety. BBC, Michael Bond

While it might appear as common intuitive knowledge, humans are strongly influenced by their context. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in studies on the connection between neuroscience and architecture.

Last month, London'sConscious Cities Conferencebrought together architects, designers, engineers, neuroscientists and psychologists to encourage more multidisciplinary engagement. Some of the recent psychological studies focus on defining a stimulating space through the use ofwearable devices that monitor skin conductance, various apps, VR and EEG headsets for either visualizing ormeasuring brain's activity and mental states. Other findings include data on the impact of building facades on our moods, green space on our health, and urban environments on our social interactions.

Analyzing the ways in which the built environment affects our brains through evidence-based research can grant architects the insight needed for making healthier and more socially-conscious designs.

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AfterShock #4: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Neuroscientific Architecture Research

Archinect's Lexicon: "Neuromorphic Architecture"

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A neuroscientist's approach to urban design

Link:
Tinkering connections between architecture and neuroscience - Archinect