Neuroscience and architecture; revolutionizing the trade
Created as a branch of the AIA (American Institute for Architects) in 2003 the ANFA (Academy of Neuroscience For Architecture) was the first national program to acknowledge the study and implication of neuroscience in the architectural community. The mission of the ANFA:
is to promote and advance knowledge that links neuroscience research to a growing understanding of human responses to the built environment.
Neuroscience, concerning architecture, is the exploration of how the human mind will respond to the a built environment. This concept has played a dominant role in the design community by assisting designers in ensuring the health, productivity and happiness of building inhabitants. This design theory has recently been recognized by the ANFA as a scientific component even though it has been in practice since the 14th century when architecture was recognized as a profession.
Waves of architecture firms across the country are testing new neuroscientific theories to improve the quality of life for the people who inhabit their structures. For example, through the study of neuroscience it has been discovered that by allowing more fresh air to circulate through an HVAC (Heating, ventialtion and air conditioning) unit makes for healthier building inhabitants. It is also been concluded that natural light improves the productivity of the inhabitants.
After studying the human mind and how it perceives a space, designers are able to better create a building that will be successful both aesthetically and functionally. To read more about a firm that is integrating cutting edge neuroscientific discoveries into their current projects, check out this article about HMC.
O Magazine published an article about current neuroscientific developments pertaining to how we experience architecture and the built environment, how we practice law, shop and even fall in love.
The exploration of this science has been documented by a large amount of designers and architects whose published work can be found on the ANFA website.
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On July 24th, 2009 4:49 pm
Excellent post and links. This is right up my alley. It’s great to see this kind of thought path becoming mainstream. Color Strategies, my business, is about strategic color engineering for people based on psychology, light, art and science, not a rug or whatever.
When I choose the name Color Strategies more than five years ago, it was chosen with great thought and purpose. There were not many people who shared my vision, understood the mission, or were of the same mindset. The fact that topics like this are being discussed is encouraging and I call this progress. I’m thrilled and excited for our future. What will we come up with? How is the going to change the way brilliant designers brilliantly design? I can’t wait to see!
In regards to the specific corner of design I’ve chosen to study and work, which is color, a few years ago I started to sense that A New Age of Color would be upon us. How we experience and function in our built environments isn’t just about color schemes any more. I think that New of Color and Design is now upon us. We’re here. We’re finally here!
“Successful aesthetically and functionally” – those who truly understand what that means have much work to do. Those who don’t, are going to have a problem keeping up. If catching up is necessary, this blog entry is a great place to start.
Lori Sawaya (funcolors)
Color Strategist