The Built Environment and the Brain: Review of Emerging Methods to Investigate the Impact of Viewing Architectural Design

The symbiotic relationship between individuals and their surrounding built environment plays a crucial role in shaping human experiences, from the intimacy of indoor spaces to the vastness of the outdoors, influencing thoughts, emotions, and actions. Recently, research into how architecture and design affect psychological and neurophysiological responses has gained momentum, especially as urbanization and mental health concerns rise. Technological advancements, like neuroimaging and virtual reality, have ushered in a new understanding of how the human brain engages with the built environment. However, despite this growing interest, a comprehensive exploration of how the built environment affects neuronal mechanisms remains relatively uncharted. This chapter seeks to address this gap by exploring methodologies at the intersection of architecture and neuroscience. Examining the impact of viewing interior, building, and urban design on the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying cognitive, affective, and behavioural responses, this review offers insights for researchers and professionals in architecture and urban planning to enhance methodologies and create environments positively impacting human well-being. The chapter concludes by addressing methodological considerations and challenges inherent in conducting neuroscientific research on architectural settings, highlighting potential directions for future research.