But how can we follow this advice when our houses have been designed for a different purpose?

It is clear that heatwaves and their impact on the indoor climate of our buildings are becoming an increasingly serious problem. Swedes like to have large south-facing windows that let in plenty of sunlight, particularly in winter when it is so dark. However, during the summer, this can become problematic. 

"The design of a building is very important," says Jutta Schade, a senior researcher and project manager for Sustainable construction at RISE.

"This creates a conflict because there are requirements for buildings to have a certain amount of daylight. These aspects clash," says Peter Ylmén, Doctor of Technology and RISE expert specialising in energy simulation and sustainability issues related to buildings.

Proven effective: sun protection and ventilation.

Fortunately, there are relatively simple solutions for dealing with excessively high indoor temperatures. Sunshades in the form of awnings, for example, can block up to 90 per cent of the sun's rays before they have a chance to heat up the window glass and, consequently, the room. There are also solutions involving semi-transparent fabrics that let in daylight but block most of the heat radiation.

"We can solve a lot of problems by ventilating at night, when temperatures are usually lower. However, this requires you to be able to open your windows, which isn't always possible depending on where you live. In cities, smog and noise pollution can make us reluctant to sleep with the windows open. The effect is also reduced if you can only open windows on one side of the room, as is often the case in flats. Ideally, you want to create a draught," says Peter Ylmén.

Iordan Palma is a doctoral student at RISE and Malmö University, where he is researching settlement patterns within the population. His work involves studying literature on how overcrowding and high levels of airborne particles can affect cognitive function and academic performance. He has found that the poor ventilation conditions mentioned by Peter Ylmén are prevalent in areas with a low socioeconomic status.

"Tall buildings, which are particularly common in vulnerable areas, often have little sun protection and poor ventilation. This could suggest that excessive indoor temperatures are a more significant issue there. The combination of poor ventilation and a population consisting of many children and elderly people, who are at risk during heatwaves, means that the problem is likely to be particularly serious in these areas," says Iordan Palma.

Climate adaptations to reduce indoor temperatures.

Unlike in countries with a generally warmer climate, ventilation in Swedish buildings is usually designed to combat odours and moisture, rather than to manage heat.

"This needs to be taken into account during conversions, renovations and new builds. Many people choose to address the issue by installing cooling units, but this is not an environmentally friendly solution. Not only does this increase energy consumption, but it also results in extra equipment that needs to be controlled and maintained," says Peter Ylmén.

Phase change materials, which can store and release heat by switching between solid and liquid form, are another possible solution that is more energy efficient. When the indoor temperature rises above a certain level, the phase-change material — such as paraffin wax — melts, absorbing a lot of energy without itself becoming warmer. When the temperature drops, the material solidifies again, releasing the stored heat. Phase change materials can be incorporated into walls, ceilings or floors.

"However, it is quite expensive, and as far as I know, it has not had a significant impact. People are working on the issue, but I wouldn't say there's an innovative solution that's better than sunshades or ventilation," says Peter Ylmén.

Simulates how thermal energy moves in buildings.

RISE is at the forefront of building physics research, investigating how heat, air and moisture move in and through buildings and their materials. It also has a test bed for ventilation solutions and extensive expertise in urban planning, property development and architecture. Collaborating with the construction industry ensures that the ideas and solutions developed through research can be implemented in practice.

"At Building Physics, where Jutta and I work, we don't design buildings. However, we do help with energy and temperature simulations, and we can evaluate these by taking measurements on site. We provide support for the development of housing and buildings at all levels, from policy to individual properties," says Peter Ylmén.

The message from researchers is clear: sun protection, ventilation, and awareness of the risks associated with excessively warm living and working environments are a good place to start when it comes to addressing the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

Measuring architectural stress 

Research reveals dramatic differences between design elements. Some studies show participants in cramped, poorly lit spaces experienced measurable shrinkage in brain regions crucial for memory and learning. 

The framework suggests chronic stress could cause hippocampal shrinkage, amygdala hyperactivity, and reduced neurogenesis. Memory, emotional regulation, and decision-making abilities might deteriorate under constant architectural assault. 

- These changes can alter our cognitive abilities, emotional regulation, and capacity to form new memories, Valentine explains. The research suggests that architecturally mediated stress might contribute to depression, anxiety, and more severe psychiatric disorders.

Neurosustainable design 

The framework points toward evidence-based design principles with measurable brain benefits. Natural daylight, appropriate ceiling heights, and biophilic elements all demonstrate positive impacts. 

Co-researcher Isabelle Sjövall, Brain Researcher, and Director of NeuroArchitecture and NeuroDesign at RISE, notes:  

- Neurosustainability may promote resilience and support mental health through design, says Sjövall. By understanding how environmental factors influence neurophysiological health, architects and designers can create spaces that enhance rather than undermine cognitive performance.

The theory of neurosustainability was developed by Mohamed Hesham Khalil, a PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge. This work was coauthored by researcher Heather Mitcheltree, a PHD candidate at the University of Cambridge. 

Examples of brain friendly designelements:

• Natural daylight: Improved circadian rhythms and reduced cortisol dysregulation
• Higher ceilings and larger windows: Decreased stress markers across physiological measures
• Flicker-free lighting: Improved cognitive performance and reduced visual discomfort
• Biophilic elements: Reduced prefrontal cortex activity linked to stress and rumination 

The researchers advocate for empirical validation of their framework and integration of neurological wellbeing principles into building codes — potentially transforming how we design environments for human flourishing. 

Read the full scientific article: Architecturally Mediated Allostasis and Neurosustainability: A Proposed Theoretical Framework for the Impact of the Built Environment on Neurocognitive Health. 

Would you like to learn more about neuroarchitecture and neurodesign – and how your organization can benefit from it? Get in contact with us. 

Allostatic overload – The body keeps score   

When our stress systems are constantly activated, it leads to "allostatic overload" – essentially, our bodies wear out from being in perpetual fight-or-flight mode. This chronic stress state has been linked to cardiovascular disease, cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegeneration.  

Researchers can now detect this hidden stress by measuring biomarkers such as cortisol, blood pressure, and inflammation levels. But there’s still a crucial missing piece: while architecture clearly triggers physiological stress responses, no study has yet proven that these directly cause long-term disease. 

- We need to understand how our built environment affects our wellbeing on a physiological level, Valentine continues. If certain architectural features are contributing to chronic disease, this could fundamentally change how we approach building design. The concern is particularly for vulnerable groups like the elderly and children, who may spend nearly all of their time indoors. Office workers, too, are continuously exposed to potentially stressful architectural environments. 

Neuroarchitecture and Neurodesign: Evidence-based design for health and wellbeing 

Not all architecture triggers stress. Biophilic design – incorporating natural elements – shows measurable stress-reducing effects, with studies revealing higher alpha brain waves indicating relaxation. 

- We need to design buildings that actively support human health, Valentine emphasises. This research highlights the importance of evidence-based design that gives wellbeing the same priority as aesthetics and functionality. 

Architectural stress and health: A call for long-term studies 

The study calls for longitudinal research tracking individuals' exposure to architectural features alongside validated allostatic load biomarkers over time. 

- Long-term studies are required to determine whether our built environments are contributing to making us sick, Valentine concludes. If confirmed, the findings could position buildings not just as spaces to live and work in, but as instruments of disease prevention. Given that chronic inflammatory diseases cause three out of five deaths worldwide, further research exploring the relationship between stress-inducing architectural forms and allostatic load is highly recommended.

Read the full scientific article: in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 

>> Discover RISE expertise within Neuroarchitecture and Neurodesign 

Pilot study findings: A calmer, less inflamed brain from biophilic architecture 

To test the hypothesis, ten participants were shown images of two different buildings while monitoring their brain activity with a 32-channel EEG. One building was rich in biophilic features — organic shapes, natural materials, and lighting reminiscent of a forest canopy. The other was more conventional, with few natural cues. 

The study focused on two brainwave frequency bands, delta and alpha, previously linked to stress and inflammation. 

The results were striking. When participants viewed the biophilic building, relative delta activity decreased, especially in the brain’s frontal and central regions. This pattern suggests reduced neuroinflammatory signaling: in effect, their brains appeared calmer, and less inflamed. Alpha activity, however, did not shift as expected, and some surprising changes emerged in gamma activity, hinting at a possible new marker for stress-related responses. 

- This is the first time we’ve seen direct neurophysiological evidence that architecture might influence immune responses in the brain, says Valentine. It opens up a completely new way of thinking about how we design the spaces we live and work in. 

Building healthier spaces  

Like any pilot study, more research is needed. Even so, the implications are far-reaching. If architecture can calm inflammation in the brain, it could play a role in managing conditions such as anxiety, depression, or even neurodegenerative diseases. Hospitals, schools, and workplaces might one day be designed not just for function and efficiency, but for neurological health. 

- This initial study provides promising clues. It suggests that nature-inspired architecture can influence brain inflammation,” says Valentine. While more research is needed, these findings are a good start. They open doors to create buildings that truly support our brain health. By continuing to explore this new area, we can build a healthier world, one space at a time. 

Read the full scientific article: Architectural Neuroimmunology: A Pilot Study Examining the Impact of Biophilic Architectural Design on Neuroinflammation.  

>> Discover RISE expertise within Neuroarchitecture and Neurodesign 

From crisis to change

“Never let a good crisis go to waste.” For Blåbær Production AS, a Norwegian design and production company based in Bergen with four employees developing clothes, shoes, and textiles for children and babies, 2015 became such a turning point. That year, the Norwegian Environment Agency found prohibited chemicals in Reflex, Norway’s largest children’s clothing brand and Blåbær’s biggest customer – a finding that was also highlighted in the media. With limited resources, the situation was a challenge for the company, but it also revealed the need to work in a more structured way with chemical management.

– We had broad experience in design and product development, but our knowledge of chemicals was limited since this had not been a focus area, explains co-founder and CEO Rolf-Erik Lund.

Knowledge and structure with RISE

To build up competence, Blåbær joined the RISE Chemicals Group. The collaboration provided knowledge, structure, and practical tools to better understand risk substances and regulatory requirements.

– It has given us a much stronger basis for setting clear and knowledge-based requirements for suppliers, including those outside Europe, says Rolf-Erik.

The work began on a small scale with new requirements for suppliers and greater emphasis on risk assessment. It was not always easy, and some partnerships were discontinued. But the experiences laid the foundation for stronger internal processes, updated specifications, and closer follow-up throughout the supply chain.

Towards PFAS-free production

Over time, Blåbær was able to gradually raise the bar. Today, the company has introduced a zero-tolerance policy for PFAS and works actively with both risk analysis and dialogue throughout the chain.

– The collaboration has made us more structured in our approach. It has strengthened trust between us and our customers, since we can document both responsibility and continuous improvement, says Rolf-Erik.

Even though challenges remain – such as higher material costs and limited availability of PFAS-free alternatives – Blåbær views the investment as necessary.

– Investing in this work is not a cost, but an insurance for future competitiveness and sustainable growth, says Rolf-Erik.

Results that matter

On the value of being part of the Chemicals Group, he notes:

– Membership provides not only access to tools and experts but also a network of companies that share experiences and solutions. It makes the journey easier, and you are not alone when new requirements and challenges arise.

Through the Chemicals Group, Blåbær has also expanded its work towards a more circular textile industry. The company participates in BioSusTex, an EU project aimed at developing safe and sustainable textile flows with a focus on bio-based materials.

In 2025, Blåbær was awarded the Norwegian Ethical Trade Award for its long-term commitment to responsible practices.

Health check-up for environments

–Think of the index as a health check-up for environments. We start with a baseline analysis to identify how different elements impact performance, wellbeing, and mental recovery. For instance, a higher index score could translate into calmer students who learn more effectively in a school setting, Isabelle explains.

As mental health challenges and urbanization continue to rise, interest in neurodesign and neuroarchitecture – an interdisciplinary field bridging brain science, architecture, and design – has grown rapidly. NDIX offers a practical way to turn this research into action and create measurable improvements.

- We aim to help companies, municipalities, communities, and organizations make smarter investment decisions in the built environment. Today, vast sums are poured into urban development projects without knowing how they actually affect the people who use them, says Isabelle.

The NeuroDesign/NeuroArchitecture Index (NDIX)

The methodology employs advanced techniques such as functional MRI (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), as well as biomarkers like heart rate variability (HRV) and breathing rate to map how the brain and body respond to different environments.

– We validate our findings with lab-based brain imaging techniques to ensure they truly capture how environments affect us on a deeper level, Isabelle notes.

New world standard for designing environments 

The long-term goal is to establish a new world standard for designing environments more consciously, in a way that actively support mental and physical health. NDIX has the potential to improve quality of life, boost productivity and lower societal costs.

– We hope that this becomes a new benchmark in sustainable urban development – where insights from neuroscience are integrated from the very start of the planning process, says Isabelle Sjövall.

The research is conducted in collaboration with the Faculty of Brain Sciences, Institute of Behavioural Neuroscience at University College London (UCL) and RISE, through the International Center for Neuroarchitecture and Neurodesign. Pilot projects are already underway in Stockholm and London, ranging from green infrastructure to healthcare, education, and workplace design. 

How the NeuroDesign/NeuroArchitecture Index (NDIX) works

The process begins with a needs assessment: should the space promote focus, creativity, learning, healing, or a sense of safety? Next, researchers analyse how the cumulative effect of the environment influences the brain and body through factors such as light, sound, colour, scent, and temperature. These effects are measured using brain imaging technologies, biomarkers, and prediction models. Based on the results, targeted design adjustments are made. The index has the potential to optimise a wide range of environments – from schools and offices to hospitals. In healthcare settings, for example, a high index score could result in a reduced need for pain medication and shorter recovery times.

Read the preprint of the scientific paper: The NeuroDesign/NeuroArchitecture Index (NDIX): Development of a method to evaluate the impact of the built environment on health, cognitive performance, and wellbeing.

Would you like to learn more about neuroarchitecture and neurodesign – and how your organization can benefit from it? Get in touch with us.