Towards new practices and scientifically informed design.
The year is almost over and it seems on the one hand that the pandemic has made it eternal, and on the other it leaves us with a constant reflection on how volatile time is, but above all on how fragile we can be, both physically and mentally. We have learned to socialize in other ways and how technology has opened unimaginable doors to markets, clients, education and of course to new parameters of design and architecture.
Personally, it has been gratifying to connect with people through social networks, but above all to be able to share research and work. A few days ago I had the opportunity to record a Masterclass on Architecture and the Brain for PENSARQ, it was a talk about the effects of built space and stimuli on the brain, emotions and behavior. PENSARQ is a content creator project that promotes and shares the work of architects, designers, philosophers, artists and researchers. Founded by sisters Tania and Mariana Quirarte, PENSARQ promotes an open dialogue between design, urbanism, art, philosophy, film, music and, of course, architecture.
On the other hand, I want to share with you that in September I had the honor of being a speaker at the Symposium of the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture (ANFA) in San Diego, where I presented a research paper between cognitive neuroscience and architecture, particularly on developing a neuroscientific information scheme in relation to the theory of architecture, while using a methodology to encompass a hermeneutical process of four conceptual constructs: semiotics, gestalt theory, dynamism, and the cognitive process.
With this research and sharing information among fellow architects, students, and neuroscientists, we are opening a new dialogue between architecture education and problem-solving processes through scientifically informed design. That is, through a meticulous investigation that helps us understand our brain and the perception of space in relation to stimuli on human behavior, and how through design we can achieve the well-being of people. Clear examples show how the space and built environments, from the inside, architecture and urban planning, have enormous effects on emotions, memory, creativity and imagination, and of course the mental health of people.
I invite you to learn more about the subject through our social networks and our Design, Belly and Brain project, and soon an online course where we will address neuroscientific research strategies and applications in the design of commercial spaces, bars and restaurants.