Neuroarchitecture: How the Perception of Our Surroundings Impacts the Brain
by
, , , , , and
Sarah Abbas
1,2,†
,
Nathalie Okdeh
3,†,
Rabih Roufayel
4,
Hervé Kovacic
5,
Jean-Marc Sabatier
5
,
Ziad Fajloun
3,6,* and
Ziad Abi Khattar
1,* 1
Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Kalhat, Tripoli P.O. Box 100, Lebanon
2
Faculty of Architecture and Design, Azm University, Azm Educational Campus, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
3
Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences 3, Lebanese University, Campus Michel Slayman Ras Maska, Tripoli 1352, Lebanon
4
College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait
5
CNRS, INP, Institut Neurophysiopathol, Aix-Marseille Université, 13385 Marseille, France
6
Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
†
These authors contributed equally to this work.
Biology 2024, 13(4), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13040220
Submission received: 13 February 2024
/
Revised: 18 March 2024
/
Accepted: 19 March 2024
/
Published: 28 March 2024
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Convergence of Neuroscience and ICT: From Data to Insights)
Simple Summary
This literature review delves into the interdisciplinary field of neuroarchitecture, exploring the significant impact of architectural design on human behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. It examines the roles of specific brain regions, such as the Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC) and the Parahippocampal Place Area (PPA), in perceiving and responding to architectural environments. The review also discusses the influence of mirror neurons in empathetic reactions to architecture, the emotional effects of design elements like natural light and color, and the importance of architectural features in spatial navigation and wayfinding. The paper aims to highlight the profound connection between architectural spaces and neurological functioning, emphasizing architecture’s role in enhancing human well-being.
Abstract
The study of neuroarchitecture is concerned with the significant effects of architecture on human behavior, emotions and thought processes. This review explores the intricate relationship between the brain and perceived environments, focusing on the roles of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and parahippocampal place area (PPA) in processing architectural stimuli. It highlights the importance of mirror neurons in generating empathetic responses to our surroundings and discusses how architectural elements like lighting, color, and space layout significantly impact emotional and cognitive experiences. The review also presents insights into the concept of cognitive maps and spatial navigation, emphasizing the role of architecture in facilitating wayfinding and orientation. Additionally, it addresses how neuroarchitecture can be applied to enhance learning and healing environments, drawing upon principles from the Reggio Emilia approach and considerations for designing spaces for the elderly and those with cognitive impairments. Overall, this review offers a neuroscientific basis for understanding how human cognition, emotions, spatial navigation, and well-being are influenced by architectural design.
