Neuroarchitecture or how to build in order to improve life

With the passing of the years, a series of changes takes place that impacts on all walks of life, including architecture. As the latter gradually evolves, it leads to the development of new concepts, such as neuroarchitecture or, put another way, the science that helps us to build better in order to improve life.

Neuroarchitecture is, by definition, a field of architecture that uses scientific data and evidence as a basis to analyse how built spaces modify our emotions and our capabilities. Its main aim is none other than to contribute to the construction of spaces that boost people’s productivity and wellbeing.

Neuroarchitecture seeks to make new headway by relating sensations to measurable data in order to gain an insight into how our background setting influences our feelings, always from a scientific perspective.

This is why neuroarchitecture has attracted growing numbers of enthusiasts and it is very popular among professionals from the building sector. It deals with a real need and a demand by today’s increasingly nonconformist society, who not only wants pretty, clean spaces but ones that transmit a sense of calm, restfulness and contentment. 

The keys to neuroarchitecture

In neuroarchitecture, a series of key factors must be taken into account in the design of all spaces in order to foster a harmonious, balanced mental state. 

• Lighting: Natural light is fundamental in improving people’s concentration and in inducing a sense of calm. It creates far more pleasant surroundings than ones with artificial light and it has a very positive effect on our brains.
• Green spaces: In addition to natural light, contact with green spaces with lots of vegetation helps to clear our minds and boost our sense of wellbeing. Green spaces manage to alleviate that stressful feeling synonymous with closed spaces, while also boosting our productivity.
• Ceilings: Different scientific studies show that the height of a ceiling influences our concentration and the activities we do. Hence, low ceilings facilitate more routine tasks, while higher ones are ideal for carrying out creative activities.
• Colours: In neuroscience, the way in which colours influence and condition our state of mind has long been a subject of analysis. That is why it is essential to study the effect of different shades of colour on our brains in order to combine them more effectively. Nowadays we know, for instance, that natural looking colours (greens, blues, yellows, browns etc.) alleviate stress and raise our comfort levels.
• Architectural features: The different shapes that are used in architecture also have a big influence on our brains. For example, rectangular spaces are regarded as less oppressive than square ones, which have a more closed-in feel, whereas architectural designs featuring curves and more gentle contours foster a sense of comfort and safety. 

We do definitely know that our background setting has a big impact on our capacity to rest, on how we feel and on our productivity. Hence, in the future, when new housing and new spaces are built, we must do it well, from a scientific point of view, in such a way that they fit in with people’s needs.