Relationship Between Neuroarchitecture and Stress Reduction Compared to Conventional Architecture in Healthcare Personnel

This study investigates the influence of hospitals built with conventional architecture compared to those built using neuroarchitecture, a branch of architecture that considers the impact of design on cognitive and emotional responses. Neuroarchitecture merges architectural design and brain science, crafting environments optimized for human well-being. It encompasses factors like spatial layout, colors, textures, and acoustics to shape cognitive and emotional responses positively. This interdisciplinary approach aims to create spaces that promote relaxation, focus, and overall mental health. A device sensitive to skin impedance was used to measure symptoms of stress. A total of 28 participants were shown two videos, one featuring conventional architecture and the other showcasing neuroarchitecture. Additionally, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 Items (DASS-21) questionnaire was administered to assess the symptomatology of stress, depression, and anxiety. Significant differences in skin impedance were found between subjects exposed to Neuroarchitecture and Conventional Architecture environments. In the Tococirugía data, Neuroarchitecture showed an average impedance of 355 KΩ compared to 287 KΩ in the conventional environment. Similarly, in the UCIN data, Neuroarchitecture had an average impedance of 302 KΩ while the conventional environment had 230 KΩ. For the UTIN data, Neuroarchitecture exhibited an average impedance of 377 KΩ, whereas the conventional environment had 235 KΩ. The DASS-21 questionnaire results indicated higher levels of moderate stress (53.5%) compared to mild anxiety (46.4%) and mild depression (50%) among medical personnel in the evaluated clinical services.