In a constant search on how to positively impact people’s lives we specialized in neuro-architecture and biophilic design. By having a deeper understanding of how different sensorial elements can impact peoples’ emotions, our goal is to bring psychological balance and harmony to transform spaces and in turn lives.
Meet Neuro-Achitecture and Biophilic Design
Have you ever heard of neuro-architecture? Imagine buildings crafted not just for function, but to uplift emotions, aid healing, and enhance happiness. Picture hospitals fostering patient recovery, schools nurturing creativity, and workspaces boosting focus.
Neuro-architecture is about designing spaces rooted in neuroscience principles, shaping environments that enhance memory, cognition, and emotional well-being. By understanding how surroundings affect our brains and behaviors, designers can create spaces that inspire desired actions and avoid unwanted stressors.
It's not just about meeting technical standards; it's about tapping into subjective cues like emotions and happiness. Neuro-architecture sits at the crossroads of neuroscience, psychology, and architecture, aiming to craft environments that optimize human behavior, health, and happiness.
Think about those moments when you've visited a park, a home, or a building, and felt a wave of emotions—whether it's joy or unease. With neuro-architecture and biophilic design, we're reshaping spaces to evoke positive feelings, making every place a sanctuary for the mind and soul.
Its origin
The concept of neuro-architecture is credited to Jonas Salk, an American biologist and researcher. Struggling in his work, Salk traveled to Assisi, Italy. Upon his return, he invented the first polio vaccine. Convinced that the city's design, conducive to reflection and the emergence of ideas, enabled his breakthrough, he co-founded the Salk Institute with architect Louis Kahn, dedicated to neuro-architecture.
The aim is to identify what, in the built environment, positively affects our brains, and therefore our emotions, behaviors, and thoughts.
However, in 1998, with the discovery by American neuroscientist and geneticist Fred Cage that the brain continues to produce neurons in adulthood based on certain environmental stimuli, the concept experienced a revival. In Anglo-Saxon countries, it began to appear in the vocabulary of design.
A few studies examples:
Pediatric waiting rooms: A study led by Juan Luis Higuera-Trujillo from the Institute for Research and Innovation in Bioengineering (i3B) at Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain, found that integrating environmental satisfaction sources into the design of health centers can significantly reduce stress among pediatric patients and their families.
Impact of nature in hospitals: Research by R. Ulrich (2008) reveals the profound impact of nature on patient well-being. Comparing patient experiences in rooms with different views, the study demonstrates that exposure to nature can substantially alleviate pain and shorten hospital stays. This evidence underscores the importance of integrating natural elements into healthcare environments, as it enhances the effectiveness of treatments and accelerates the healing process.
Biophilic design, a fundamental aspect of neuro-architecture, integrates the innate human connection to nature into built environments through the incorporation of greenery and natural elements. These design features not only enhance aesthetics but also have profound effects on human health and well-being. By introducing elements such as houseplants and natural patterns, biophilic design creates a multi-sensory experience, promoting improved air quality, circulation, circadian rhythm, and heart rate.
This approach, championed by visionaries like Stephen Kellert and Edward O. Wilson, emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with nature within our living spaces. By incorporating natural systems and elements like water features, biophilic design brings the tranquility and vitality of the outdoors indoors, fostering a sense of calm and rejuvenation. With plants, sunlight, natural materials, and fresh air seamlessly integrated into our surroundings, biophilic design offers an opportunity to experience the restorative power of nature in different environments.
Examples of incorporating Biophilic design
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1. Greenery indoors
Introducing plants into the home not only enhances air quality but also promotes well-being by bringing the calming presence of nature indoors.
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2. Nature-inspired interiors
Incorporating natural motifs and textures, such as floral prints and plant patterns on furnishings, to evoke the soothing essence of the outdoors.
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3. Natural materials:
Utilizing materials like wood, clay, cork, rattan, and wool to infuse spaces with a sense of warmth and authenticity.
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4. Ample natural light:
Maximizing natural light to regulate mood, boost productivity, and create a vibrant atmosphere that fosters creativity
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5. Fire features
Incorporating fire elements, such as a fireplace or candles, to add visual interest, warmth, and a cozy ambiance to living spaces.
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6. Water elements
Integrating water features, like tabletop fountains or aquariums, to introduce calming sounds and create a connection to nature within the home.
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7. Earth tone palette
Opting for neutral or earthy color palettes to evoke a sense of tranquility and harmony, with muted browns, greens, and blues creating a serene backdrop.
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8. Organic shapes
Incorporating softly curved, abstract, or asymmetrical shapes to add visual interest and a touch of natural elegance to interior spaces.
These design strategies seamlessly integrate elements of nature into our living environments, promoting well-being, harmony, and a deeper connection to the natural world.