Conscious design for better living.
Well-being begins in the place you live.
By James Davis / Architect, Professor, and Enthusiast of Human-Centered Design
Every architect reaches a point in their career when they realize that functionality alone isn’t enough. I hit that moment while sketching out yet another “practical” office layout. Sure, it worked, but would people really thrive in that space? That’s when I discovered neuroarchitecture — the intersection of neuroscience, architecture, and environmental psychology. It’s all about designing spaces that resonate with the human mind—spaces that heal, inspire, and connect.
If you’re looking to blend human-centered design with scientific insight, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a student, an experienced designer, or just curious, this guide will take you through the best ways to study neuroarchitecture—tailored to your time, budget, and goals.
What Is Neuroarchitecture? Why Should You Care?
Neuroarchitecture answers one key question: How do spaces affect our brains and behaviors? From lighting that enhances your mood to layouts that increase productivity, this field uncovers how our environments shape us. Think of it as architecture 2.0—where functionality meets science and art. Cognitive neuroscience studies relationships between our brain’s responses and the environments we inhabit, offering architects a scientific foundation to improve lives.
How to Study Neuroarchitecture: Learning Options Tailored to You
Workshops: Dive Into the Basics
Workshops allow you to explore neuroarchitecture without committing to long-term programs. These hands-on, immersive experiences often focus on practical applications and emerging research.
Neuroscience Workshops: These workshops combine theory and case studies, covering topics like spatial perception and emotional well-being.
Anamombiedro Learning Communities: For Spanish speakers, these interactive sessions let participants apply neuroscience principles to architectural design.
NeuroArq Academy: Founded by architects Gabi Sartori and Priscilla Bencke, the Brazilian Academy of Neuroscience and Architecture offers specialized workshops and short-term programs focused on sensory design, spatial perception, and the link between behavior and the built environment. The academy also hosts an annual international congress, sharing the latest research in neuroarchitecture.
Certifications: Build Expertise
If you want to deepen your knowledge, certifications provide more comprehensive training.
NeuroArchitect Certificate in Neuroscience for Architecture: This program merges neuroscience with architecture, focusing on cognitive and sensory design. Tuition ranges from $2,000 to $4,000, offering flexibility through online modules.
NeuroAU Certification: Led by Andréa de Paiva, this certification focuses on environmental enrichment and brain plasticity, perfect for architects, interior designers, and urban planners.
NewSchool Certifications (San Diego, USA): Located in California, NewSchool of Architecture & Design offers short courses and advanced certifications in Neuroscience for Architecture and Urban Health Design. These programs integrate sustainability, biofilia, and neuroscience to help professionals understand how the brain interacts with built spaces.
Master’s Degrees: Master the Art and Science
If you’re committed to becoming a leader in neuroarchitecture, a master’s degree is the ultimate choice. These programs blend scientific theory, practical application, and real-world case studies.
NAAD Master’s Program: The Neuroscience Applied to Architectural Design master’s program is perfect for neuroarchitecture enthusiasts. Tuition ranges from $15,000 to $20,000, and graduates often pursue careers in urban planning, consultancy, or academia.
Poli.Design NAAD Master: This program targets urban spaces, workplaces, and therapeutic environments, with a focus on ROI metrics for architectural projects.
Self-Study: Learn at Your Own Pace
If you prefer a flexible and independent learning path, self-study can be a powerful way to explore neuroarchitecture at your own rhythm. It allows you to connect theory with your personal environment, reflect on your own spatial experiences, and gradually build a deeper understanding of how design influences the brain.
Recommended Reading
“Welcome to Your World” by Sarah Williams Goldhagen:
An essential starting point for anyone new to neuroarchitecture. Goldhagen reveals how the built environment shapes our emotions, cognition, and well-being. She draws from neuroscience and psychology to explain how spaces influence mood, focus, and memory.
“Happy City” by Charles Montgomery:
This insightful book explores how urban design impacts happiness and health. It connects neuroscience, sociology, and city planning, showing how walkability, community, and green spaces can change the way we feel and live.
“The Architecture of Happiness” by Alain de Botton:
A philosophical yet accessible reflection on how beauty, proportion, and design affect our inner life. It’s a poetic invitation to see architecture as an emotional art.
“A Pattern Language” by Christopher Alexander:
A groundbreaking classic that identifies recurring “patterns” in towns and buildings that make people feel safe, connected, and inspired. It’s one of the most cited architectural books of all time.
“The Shape of Green” by Lance Hosey:
This work links sustainability, aesthetics, and psychology, arguing that beauty isn’t superficial—it’s essential for our connection with nature and for designing truly restorative environments.
Why These Books Truly Stand Out
In a field as young and multidisciplinary as neuroarchitecture, not every book labeled “neuroscience and design” offers real depth. The titles above are considered essential because they come from recognized experts and academic references that have genuinely shaped the way we understand the relationship between the brain, behavior, and space.
- Academic credibility: Many of these works are used in leading programs such as the NAAD Master at Politecnico di Milano or workshops by ANFA (Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture).
- Author expertise: Writers like Sarah Williams Goldhagen, Lance Hosey, and Charles Montgomery merge architecture, cognitive science, and well-being through both research and practice.
- Proven influence: Books such as “Happy City” and “A Pattern Language” have inspired real urban policies in cities like Copenhagen and Vancouver, while “The Architecture of Happiness” opened a wider conversation about emotional design.
- Practical relevance: Each book balances scientific knowledge with creative insight, offering tools that help designers translate theory into human-centered spaces.
The beauty of these books is that they remind us architecture isn’t just about buildings—it’s about people.
Neuroscience Studies: Where to Begin?
Graduate studies in neuroscience often explore how cognitive and sensory processes interact with environmental factors. For architects interested in neuroarchitecture, understanding foundational neuroscience studies can help you appreciate how the brain processes space, light, and design elements.
Programs like NAAD, NeuroAU, NeuroArq Academy, and NewSchool integrate these concepts, offering a multidisciplinary approach that bridges science and design.
What Each Platform Offers: A Quick Breakdown
| Program | Focus | Format | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| NeuroArchitecture Workshops & Certifications | Human behavior and spatial design insights | Online / In-person | Beginners or professionals exploring the field |
| NeuroAU | Brain plasticity and environmental enrichment | Online | Architects, interior designers, urban planners |
| NeuroArq Academy | Sensory design, perception, and behavior | Online / In-person | Multidisciplinary professionals in Latin America |
| NewSchool | Biophilia, health, and sustainable design | On-campus / Hybrid | Architects and designers seeking certification |
| NAAD Master’s Program | Cognitive and emotional responses to design | Master’s | Those pursuing advanced specialization |
| Poli.Design NAAD Master | Urban and therapeutic environments | Master’s | Professionals focused on ROI and applied metrics |
James Davis’ Personal Journey: The Impact of Neuroarchitecture
Studying neuroarchitecture transformed my design approach. After completing workshops and earning a certificate, I began seeing spaces differently. For instance, incorporating natural light into workspaces didn’t just improve aesthetics—it boosted productivity and overall mood.
On a personal level, this journey reignited my passion for architecture. Now, each project feels like an opportunity to create something that positively impacts people’s lives—a powerful reminder of why I became an architect.
A Funny Story from My Journey in Neuroarchitecture
When I first delved into neuroarchitecture, I took an intensive workshop on how colors affect our mood in spaces. After studying brain patterns and environmental impacts, I confidently painted an entire office wall bright orange, thinking it would boost creativity. The next day, my team walked in, and instead of feeling inspired, they looked at me like I’d lost my mind. “James, this feels like a sunset! We can’t focus in here.” I quickly learned that bright orange can be way too stimulating for an office. This experience reminded me that while neuroarchitecture offers great insights, it doesn’t always translate perfectly into design.
Conclusion: Finding Your Path in Neuroarchitecture
Neuroarchitecture isn’t just a discipline—it’s about designing spaces for people. Whether you’re drawn to workshops, certifications, or advanced degrees, there’s a path for you. So why wait? Jump in, and let your designs leave a lasting impact on both minds and spaces.
