Harmonizing Nature and Mind: Biophilic and Neuroarchitecture Synergies for Intelligent Buildings Enhancing Human Well-Being

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 September 2025 | Viewed by 190

Special Issue Editors

School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment, Nottingham Trent Univesity, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK
Interests: architectural science; intelligent building technologies; smart cities; heritage; biophilia
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Guest Editor
School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent Univesity, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK
Interests: biological models of mental health; particularly depression; schizophrenia; maladaptive aggressive behaviour

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Guest Editor
School of Science & Technology, Nottingham Trent Univesity, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK
Interests: artificial intelligence (AI); generative AI; human–robot interaction (HRI); machine learning (ML); deep learning; transfer learning; data augmentation

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Guest Editor
School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment, Nottingham Trent Univesity, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK
Interests: professional ethics; biophilic design and mental health; social value; value management; supply chain management; green labelling; logistics management; housing supply and; planning in Africa

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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The journal Buildings invites submissions for a Special Issue focused on “Harmonizing Nature and Mind: Biophilic and Neuroarchitecture Synergies for Intelligent Buildings Enhancing Human Well-Being”, seeking to rediscover the intersections between biophilic design and neuroarchitecture, and exploring innovative methods to integrate biophilic principles with neurological and sensor technologies. Our goal is to develop intelligent buildings that promote human well-being and productivity, laying the groundwork for resilient and sustainable architecture of the future.

We encourage contributions that delve into the following topics:

  1. The Science of Biophilia: Research on how natural elements in the built environment can influence cognitive function, emotional health, and overall well-being;
  2. Neuroarchitecture Principles: Exploring how understanding brain responses to architectural elements can inform design choices that enhance user experience in various building types;
  3. Integrative Design Methods: Case studies or frameworks demonstrating successful integration of biophilic and neuroarchitectural principles in current building projects;
  4. Technological Innovations: The role of sensing technologies and smart building systems in creating adaptive environments that respond to human needs and preferences;
  5. Impact on Productivity: Assessments of how biophilic and neuroarchitectural designs contribute to improved workplace efficiency, creativity, and morale;
  6. Sustainable Resilience: Strategies and designs that employ biophilic and neuroarchitectural concepts in response to climate change and environmental challenges;
  7. User-Centred Design Approaches: Methodologies for engaging end users in the design process, ensuring that their needs and well-being are at the forefront of architectural decisions;
  8. Cultural and Contextual Considerations: Examining how biophilic and neuroarchitectural designs can be adapted to reflect local cultures, histories, and ecosystems;
  9. Future of Smart Cities: Insights into how integrating biophilic and neuroarchitectural principles can shape the development of smart cities that prioritize human experience alongside sustainability.

We invite researchers, practitioners, and thought leaders from architecture, environmental psychology, urban planning, and related fields to contribute original research, theoretical explorations, case studies, and essays that advance our understanding of this vital intersection.

Submission guidelines and deadlines can be found on the Buildings journal website. We look forward to your contributions that will inspire future advancements in creating intelligent buildings that harmonize nature and mind for enhanced human well-being.

Dr. Yan Xing
Prof. Dr. Alexander Sumich
Dr. Jordan J. Bird
Dr. Andrew Knight
Prof. Dr. Derek Clements-Croome
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biophilic design
  • neuroarchitecture
  • human well-being
  • intelligent buildings
  • sustainable architecture
  • cognitive function
  • emotional health
  • nature integration
  • environmental psychology
  • resilient design

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Published Papers

This special issue is now open for submission.
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