Neuro-architecture: Elevating the Human Spirit Through Design

“We believe that every place should elevate the spirit of every person.”

We greet visitors with this message at our San Antonio and Austin offices. It’s our “Why” statement, driving the projects we undertake and the clients we pursue. It’s the touchstone we return to during design and construction, providing focus and purpose. But does it truly mean? How can design elevate the “spirit” of a person?

In the ever-evolving world of design, a revolutionary field is reshaping our understanding of spaces and their impact on the human psyche. This emerging field of neuro-architecture is based on the premise that the physical environment significantly affects our mental and emotional states. It studies the cognitive processes underlying common human experiences, resulting in design principles that positively influence mental and physical well-being. It sets out to prove that the built environment impacts us more than we realize.

We have all felt the influence of our environment. This is especially notable in religious architecture. Cathedrals, temples, and mosques are intentionally designed to evoke awe, serenity, and contemplation, using light, scale, and ornamentation to influence emotional and spiritual states. The architectural forms speak to the occupants overtly and subconsciously, a language without words.

Neuro-architecture translates this silent language into strategies architects can implement, with the potential for profound impact. Residents of developed nations spend over 90% of their time indoors and face rising chronic diseases and mental health issues. Neuro-architecture offers guidance on addressing these public health concerns through evidence-based design strategies that foster well-being, enhance mood, reduce chronic stress, and promote a sense of calm.

The field of architecture already employs well-established approaches to enhance well-being through design, which we implement daily. Most research to date has examined the effects of direct, overt, and easily quantifiable factors pictured below:

In recent years, neuro-architecture has used virtual reality simulations and advanced brain imaging methods to understand which architectural forms can regulate stress responses. Studies have shown that we are influenced by window sizes, ceiling heights, room proportions, and the curvilinearity or angularity of a space. However, more research is needed to determine which design choices benefit human health. The field simply has not had enough time to collect and analyze the necessary amount of data needed to establish sound principles.

As the field of neuro-architecture grows, its potential to elevate the human spirit becomes increasingly evident. In the future, we will refine the design process, develop improved design strategies, and inform regulations to enhance human health and well-being.

Neuro-architecture represents a transformative approach to design, one that prioritizes the mental and emotional well-being of individuals through evidence-based principles. By understanding and harnessing the connection between our brains and environments, architects can create spaces that not only function and inspire but also elevate the human spirit in profound and lasting ways. As this field continues to evolve, it promises to redefine our relationship with the built environment, paving the way for a future where architecture actively contributes to the health of its occupants.