Throughout its existence, architecture has continuously reinvented itself, driven not only by the emergence of new techniques and trends, but also by a deeper understanding of the human being. In recent times, the field of neuroarchitecture has yielded valuable research into how built environments influence our brains and, consequently, our behavior and well-being. This interdisciplinary approach suggests that interior design—specifically materiality and surface design—can play a crucial role in modulating individuals' neural and behavioral responses.
Neuroarchitecture emerges from the intersection of neuroscience—the study of the nervous system, particularly the brain—and architecture, the art and technique of designing and constructing environments inhabited by humans. While this concept began gaining prominence in the early decades of the 21st century, its roots lie in earlier research dedicated to understanding how specific environments can evoke particular feelings or influence mental health. One of the pioneers of this emerging domain was John P. Eberhard, an architect trained at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and founder of the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture (ANFA). In his book "Brain Landscape: The Coexistence of Neuroscience and Architecture" (2008), Eberhard outlines how understanding brain function can enrich architectural design. Similarly, in 2007, neuroscientist Fred Gage of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, along with other experts, highlighted the vital need to understand neural responses to built environments, reinforcing the bridge between neuroscience and architecture.
