Neuroarchitecture is the study of the relationship between the projects and the brain. Discover how this approach transforms the way of designing spaces.
Submitted at Jul 6, 2025, 2:44 PM
Melina Romano - Portinari Paths. CASACOR São Paulo 2024 Project. (MCA Estúdio)
Giancarlo Chacaliaza - Man Cave. Projeto da CASACOR Peru 2025. (Marcel Suurmond/CASACOR)
More than aesthetics or functionality, it seeks to understand how the human brain responds to stimuli from the physical space and, from there, guide more empathetic and effective projects. In an increasingly urbanized and fast-paced world, this aspect becomes essential to promote welfare through construction.
Nicole Prutsky - Nodo. Projeto da CASACOR Peru 2025. (Renzo Rebagliati/CASACOR)
The neuroarchitecture is an interdisciplinary discipline that investigates how constructed projects affect our brains, emotions, and behavior. Based on neuroscience studies, this approach considers that stimuli such as natural light, ventilation, proportion, texture, sounds, aromas, and circulation directly influence mood, productivity, and even the mental health of individuals.
Samira Mussi Arquitetura- Hall e Bilheteria Luz dos Sonhos. Projeto da CASACOR Santa Catarina | Itapema 2025. (Lio Simas/CASACOR)
Unlike traditional architecture, which may prioritize technical or visual issues, neuroarchitecture focuses on the experience of the user – that is, how they feel within a space.
Milagros Lanza e Aurelio Herrera - Comedor Peruano. Projeto da CASACOR Peru 2025. (Renzo Bagliati/CASACOR)
This means, for example, that educational projects planned under this perspective tend to be more conducive to learning, hospitals more welcoming for recovery, and offices more stimulating for creativity and focus.
PN+ | Paula Neder - Loft Alvorá. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)
The main objective is not just for the project to function, but for it to promote positive sensations and enhance the emotional and cognitive balance of those who occupy it. Neuroarchitecture considers the human being as a central part of the project and uses science to underpin design decisions.
Ale Mellos Arquitetura de Interiores - Gazebo da Botânica. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Roberta Gewehr/CASACOR)
The term "neuroarchitecture" began to gain visibility in the 2000s, especially with the founding of the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture (ANFA) in San Diego, USA. The proposal was clear: to unite the knowledge of neuroscience with the design of architectural projects. Thus, it sought to understand, through scientific data, how the brain reacts to different stimuli from the physical projects and how to apply this knowledge to improve quality of life.
Projeto de Larissa Perna. (Rafael Renzo/Divulgação)
The need to think about projects from a more human perspective is not exactly new. However, it was with advances in brain imaging and behavioral studies that it became possible to investigate more accurately the relationship between architecture and neurobiology.
Marta Martins - Casa nas Nuvens. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Camila Santos/CASACOR)
From these discoveries, projects began to be guided by scientific evidence – which gave rise to what we now call "evidence-based design". The purpose of neuroarchitecture is, therefore, to create projects that support human development, reduce stress, improve performance, and strengthen emotional bonds with the project.
La Rous Studio - Eternum Vitae. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)
Neuroarchitecture is still an emerging field, but it already has important names that contribute to its consolidation. One of the main figures is the neuroscientist John Eberhard, founder of ANFA, responsible for publicizing and promoting dialogue between architecture and neuroscience. Another relevant name is architect and professor Jonas Salk, creator of the Salk Institute, who sought to design a space focused on contemplation, showing how the project can inspire creative thinking.
Giovanni Vespe Arquitetura - Solos do Tempo. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Israel Gollino/CASACOR)
Among the most cited studies is that of neuroscientist Esther Sternberg, author of the book "Healing Spaces", where she explores how projects influence the healing process and well-being. In Brazil, the work of architect Carla Tieppo, a researcher in the field of neuroscience applied to human behavior, stands out, as she has also contributed reflections on the role of architecture in this context.
Ana Maria Vieira Santos - Loft. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Roberta Gewehr/CASACOR)
These and other specialists reinforce that designing based on how the brain functions is more than a trend – it is a necessity in times of growing concern about mental health, productivity, and collective well-being.
Gabriel Rosa - Adega Legado. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Camila Santos/CASACOR)
The importance of neuroarchitecture lies in its ability to transform the way we conceive projects and how we relate to them. By integrating scientific knowledge into the design process, it allows for the creation of projects that truly meet the emotional and cognitive needs of people. This reflects in greater comfort, better performance in activities, reduced anxiety, and more connection with the project.
Traço 8 Arquitetura - Trilha Onírica. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Israel Gollino/CASACOR)
In practice, this may mean using natural materials that reduce stress to strategically inserting natural light to improve mood and circadian rhythm. It also involves considering circulation flows, acoustics, the use of colors, access to green areas, and the sensation of control that individuals have over the project they are in.
Recanto de Histórias e Cores - Daniela Funari Arquitetura. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2025. (Bia Nauiack/CASACOR)
In times when problems such as anxiety, depression, and burnout are increasingly common, designing projects based on how the brain works is no longer a luxury – it is an urgent strategy for promoting mental health. In addition, neuroarchitecture reinforces the social and ethical role of the architect, placing them as agents of transformation in everyday life.
Octaedro Arquitetura - Oficina do amanhã. Projeto da CASACOR Santa Catarina | Florianópolis 2024. (Fábio Jr. Severo/CASACOR)
Applying the principles of neuroarchitecture does not necessarily mean making the project more expensive or complex. Often, simple adjustments make a big difference. A good starting point is to observe how lighting affects biological rhythm: prioritizing natural light during the day and using warm lights at night helps regulate sleep and mood. Another relevant factor is the use of textures and colors – neutral or earthy tones can calm, while vibrant colors can stimulate.
Thiago Moura - Old Money. Projeto da CASACOR Sergipe 2024. (Xico Diniz/CASACOR)
The use of plants and natural materials also has documented positive effects on reducing stress and increasing productivity. In residential projects, creating projects with well-defined zones of privacy and living areas contributes to emotional balance. In work projects, it is important to offer options for different mental states: focus, collaboration, and rest.
Wesley Lemos - Estesia Deca. Projeto da CASACOR Sergipe 2024. (Gabriela Daltro/CASACOR)
In addition, listening to the user is essential. Human-centered design, supported by data and emotional insights, is the safest way to effectively apply neuroarchitecture. Architects, designers, and urban planners can benefit from this approach to create not only more beautiful projects, but truly welcoming, functional, and transformative projects.
