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Madelene Eklöw Björk
Senior projektledare operational excellence and Director NAND
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What is Neuroarchitecture and Neurodesign?
Neuroarchitecture and neurodesign is Researchinformed design to support health, performance and wellbeing in interiors, buildings and cities.
Neuroarchitecture and neurodesign iis a new interdisciplinary field that integrates neuroscience with architecture and design to explore how the built environment impact humans psychologically and physiologically. The focus spans across whole buildings and urban settings, to how spatial layout, light, sound, materiality and nature relate to cognition, emotions, and behaviour.
Despite growing awareness of environmental health, these insights are rarely reflected in how cities, buildings and interiors are planned and designed. Continuous exposure to living environments influence stress regulation, attention, learning, social interaction and perceived safety.
Neuroarchitecture and neurodesign analyses how interiors, buildings and urban spaces shape human responses, and targets how spatial elements such as materials, lighting, colours, acoustics and spatial layout impacts health, performance, and wellbeing. From early planning and construction, throught all phases of design.
Why use Neuroarchitecture and Neurodesign?
A researchinformed approach that can help shift living environments to active contributors to human health outcomes. Research indicates contextdependent benefits and outcomes, including:
- Reduced stress levels
- Improved accessability, inclusion, and perceived safety in urban settings
- Better cognitive performance and creative cognition in workplaces and schools
- Higher occupancy and user satisfaction in public spaces
- Faster recovery in hospitals, less pain medication, and lower sick leave among staff
- Concrete activities connected to human, ecological, and economic sustainability and sustanability reporting
Our scientific methodology
Data collection and environmental assessment
We start with a structured baseline of the environment and user experience:
- The NeuroDesign & NeuroArchitecture Index (NDIX): is a new method that identifies and measures the impact of the built environment on health, performance and wellbeing. The index is structured across six scientifically grounded domains: safety and accessibility, cognitive, sensory, emotional, social, and naturalness.
- Neurotechnology: Mobile brain imaging techniques such as EEG and fNIRS; laboratory fMRI in specific studies.
- Biomarkers: Heartrate variability (HRV), respiratory rate, electrodermal activity (EDA/"GSR"); in some studies, sampling of cortisol or other inflammatory biomarkers under appropriate ethical oversight.
- Computational analysis and design optimisation: We apply statistical modelling and machine learning to relate environmental features to human responses. Spatial analysis simulations using digital twins help predict the impact of design modifications (e.g., lighting strategies, acoustic treatments, spatial reconfiguration, wayfinding, materials and colour, nature integration).
- Humancentred qualitative and quantitative measures: Subjective data, semi-structured interviews.
Practical implementation strategies
- Specialist advice: Specialist advice from our brain researchers Risk and resilience analysis related to the built environment Clear KPIs and NDIX domain mapping aligned to project goals
- Concept vision and concept development grounded in brain science: High-level design principles linked to health, performance and wellbeing. Goals/KPIs (e.g., NDIX domains), storyboards and room programmes
- Research-based guidelines and recommendation: Written recommendations for the built environment across all types of environments and scales (urban, interiors, hospitals, offices, schools) lighting, including BIM parameters and target values
- Implementation and evaluation: Embed recommendations with architects, engineers to carry out pilots and digital-twin/VR checks before full rollout Pre- and post-occupancy evaluations; findings inform procurement criteria, and contributions to standardisation
- Access to 130+ high-tech laboratories and testbeds: Access to unique laboratories and testbeds across Scandinavia and the UK, enabling realistic, large-scale trials when needed
Want to know how neuroarchitecture and neurodesign can strengthen your project or your business?
We analyze your challenges and propose concrete improvements based on neuroscience. Contact us to schedule a meeting.