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Human-Centric Architectural Design: Neuroarchitecture as a New Tool to Shape...
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Human-Centric Architectural Design: Neuroarchitecture as a New Tool to Shape Futureproof Inclusive Buildings

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 March 2026 | Viewed by 6090

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Matteo Zallio

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Guest Editor
Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PX, UK
Interests: user experience; inclusive design; human-centered design; neuroarchitecture
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Marcelo Márcio Soares

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Post Graduation Programs in Design, Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil and Federal University of Maranhão, Pernambuco, Brazil
Interests: ergonomics/human factors; human-centred design; usability and user experience; neuroergonomics and neurodesign
Dr. Camelia Chivăran

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Engineering, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81010 Caserta, Italy
Interests: multisensory experiences; inclusive design; user–artefact–space interaction; space cognition and perception; intelligent adaptive environments; advanced technologies
Dr. Michal Gath-Morad

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PX, UK
Interests: BioCognitive Architectural Design; spatial cognition; wayfinding; neuroarchitecture; evidence-based design; human–building interaction; agent-based modeling; psychophysics; virtual reality; responsive environments
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite submissions for the Special Issue of Buildings entitled “Human-Centric Architectural Design: Neuroarchitecture as a New Tool to Shape Futureproof Inclusive Buildings”. This Special Issue explores the integration of neuroscience in architectural design to create environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also cognitively and emotionally supportive. As we face evolving challenges in urbanization, inclusivity, and sustainability, neuroarchitecture offers insights into how spaces can positively impact human well-being, behaviour, and performance.

We encourage research that examines the intersection of architectural design, human cognition, and sensory experiences. Submissions may include case studies, empirical research, and innovative design practices that demonstrate how neuroarchitecture can inform the creation of inclusive, adaptable, and futureproof buildings.

Join us in advancing this interdisciplinary approach to shape the next generation of human-centric spaces.

Dr. Matteo Zallio
Prof. Dr. Marcelo Márcio Soares
Dr. Camelia Chivăran
Dr. Michal Gath-Morad
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • neuroarchitecture
  • human-centric design
  • cognitive-emotional architecture
  • inclusive design
  • environmental psychology
  • multisensory design and technologies
  • indoor environmental quality
  • behavioural impact of architecture
  • neuro-adaptive design and technology
  • well-being in the built environment
  • behavioural design
  • space perception
  • neuroscience in architecture
  • spatial cognition
  • mobile brain/body imaging in architecture
  • human–environment interaction
  • emotional architecture

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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27 pages, 5968 KB  
Article
Spatial Scale, Enclosure, and Material Impacts on Micro-Housing Perception: Multimodal Physiological Evidence
by Ping Shu, Jiawei Wang, Lijun Wang, Dengjun Ren and Zihua Jin
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3694; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203694 - 14 Oct 2025
Viewed by 275
Abstract
Micro-housing has gained prominence as a sustainable urban residential solution, yet the impact of its spatial design on occupants’ perceptual and physiological responses remains underexplored. This study employs a multimodal approach to investigate how three key spatial elements—spatial scale (SS), window-to-wall ratio (WWR), [...] Read more.
Micro-housing has gained prominence as a sustainable urban residential solution, yet the impact of its spatial design on occupants’ perceptual and physiological responses remains underexplored. This study employs a multimodal approach to investigate how three key spatial elements—spatial scale (SS), window-to-wall ratio (WWR), and interface material (IM)—influence human perception in micro-housing environments. A full-factorial experimental design with 12 distinct conditions was implemented in a controlled laboratory setting. We collected both subjective evaluations and multimodal physiological data—including electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), skin conductance (SC), and blood volume pulse (BVP)—from 30 participants. Subjective results indicate that all three spatial elements significantly affect spatial perception and overall comfort, with the influence hierarchy being SS > WWR > IM. Notably, a compensatory effect was observed: increasing the WWR enhanced the perceived spatial area, particularly in mid-sized spaces. Physiologically, SS significantly influenced SC, WWR affected the EEG beta power ratio (BR), and IM impacted the EEG alpha/beta (A/B) ratio, corroborating the subjective findings. Interaction effects were also identified: SS interacted with WWR in area evaluation, and with IM in both area and window size evaluations. This study provides empirical evidence that spatial form elements directly and interactively shape human perception, offering practical insights for enhancing livability in micro-housing through design optimization. The integration of subjective and physiological metrics also establishes a robust methodological framework for future research on human-centered spatial design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human-Centric Architectural Design: Neuroarchitecture as a New Tool to Shape Futureproof Inclusive Buildings)
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28 pages, 3039 KB  
Article
Building Anatomy: Rethinking Internal and External Dynamics in Architecture
by Murat Sönmez and Neslihan Efsa Özçelik
Buildings 2025, 15(19), 3461; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15193461 - 25 Sep 2025
Viewed by 698
Abstract
Conventional frameworks often reduce architectural production to a linear sequence of deterministic technical and managerial stages. This study challenges that paradigm, arguing that such a view overlooks the adaptive, multi-layered, and context-responsive nature of contemporary built environment creation. Grounded in systems theory, biomimicry, [...] Read more.
Conventional frameworks often reduce architectural production to a linear sequence of deterministic technical and managerial stages. This study challenges that paradigm, arguing that such a view overlooks the adaptive, multi-layered, and context-responsive nature of contemporary built environment creation. Grounded in systems theory, biomimicry, and human physiology, a novel “Building Anatomy” model is proposed that treats architectural practice as a living organism. This conceptual framework is first established, and its validity is then tested through a mixed-methods empirical study conducted with 126 Turkish architects, analyzing the continuous feedback loops between internal (e.g., designer identity, team dynamics) and external (e.g., regulations, socio-cultural currents) factors. It was confirmed that the dynamic interaction between these internal and external factors is central to architectural processes. “Systemic dysfunctions” were identified and diagnosed that arise from breakdowns in these metabolic feedback loops, providing empirical evidence for the model’s explanatory power. By offering a systemic lens, this study shifts the focus from a product-centric to a process-oriented view of design. The Building Anatomy model demonstrates its potential for diagnosing “metabolic failures” and redefining the architect’s agency, ultimately advocating for more adaptive, responsive, and resilient architectural outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human-Centric Architectural Design: Neuroarchitecture as a New Tool to Shape Futureproof Inclusive Buildings)
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17 pages, 6176 KB  
Article
Research on the Configuration and Composition Characteristics of Courtyards in Japanese Independent Residential Works: A Case Study of Projects from 2015 to 2024
by Yanchen Sun, Anzhuo Wang, Keke Zheng and Luyang Li
Buildings 2025, 15(18), 3253; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15183253 - 9 Sep 2025
Viewed by 508
Abstract
Residential courtyards serve as critical mediators between architecture and nature in contemporary high-density urban environments. However, extant scholarship predominantly examines isolated courtyard typologies, lacking comprehensive systemic analysis, while contemporary designs frequently suffer from functional diminishment. This study investigates 72 representative Japanese detached residential [...] Read more.
Residential courtyards serve as critical mediators between architecture and nature in contemporary high-density urban environments. However, extant scholarship predominantly examines isolated courtyard typologies, lacking comprehensive systemic analysis, while contemporary designs frequently suffer from functional diminishment. This study investigates 72 representative Japanese detached residential projects (2015–2024) to systematically analyze spatial configurations, compositional characteristics, and functional interrelationships between courtyards and interior spaces. The methodological framework incorporates typological classification based on spatial positioning and constituent elements, coupled with analytical examination of aperture connections, interpreted through the lens of pattern language theory. Findings reveal a distinct hierarchical organization and a set of recurrent design patterns: front courtyards predominantly employ “partially walkable” surfaces with symbol trees to reconcile circulatory and esthetic functions, establishing a transitional sequence; central courtyards achieve daylight optimization and spatial extension through compact dimensions and non-paved surfaces, creating intimate outdoor rooms; side courtyards demonstrate scale-dependent adaptive strategies for privacy and microclimate regulation. The predominant living room-courtyard interface configuration features “group-planted trees with large openings,” creating vertically stratified visual experiences. This tripartite system translates traditional nature concepts into evidence-based spatial patterns, providing a transferable design matrix and pattern language for human-centered courtyard design in high-density contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human-Centric Architectural Design: Neuroarchitecture as a New Tool to Shape Futureproof Inclusive Buildings)
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22 pages, 2683 KB  
Article
Cognitive Style and Visual Attention in Multimodal Museum Exhibitions: An Eye-Tracking Study on Visitor Experience
by Wenjia Shi, Mengcai Zhou and Kenta Ono
Buildings 2025, 15(16), 2968; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15162968 - 21 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1333
Abstract
Exhibition design in museum environments serves as a vital mechanism for enhancing cultural engagement, enriching visitor experience, and promoting heritage preservation. Despite the growing number of museums, improvements in exhibition quality remain limited. In this context, understanding exhibition visual content becomes fundamental to [...] Read more.
Exhibition design in museum environments serves as a vital mechanism for enhancing cultural engagement, enriching visitor experience, and promoting heritage preservation. Despite the growing number of museums, improvements in exhibition quality remain limited. In this context, understanding exhibition visual content becomes fundamental to shaping visitor experiences in cultural heritage settings, as it directly influences how individuals perceive, interpret, and engage with displayed information. However, due to individual differences in cognitive processing, standardized visualization strategies may not effectively support all users, potentially resulting in unequal levels of knowledge acquisition and engagement. This study presents a quasi-experimental eye-tracking investigation examining how visualizer–verbalizer (V–V) cognitive styles influence content comprehension in a historical museum context. Participants were classified as visualizers or verbalizers via standardized questionnaires and explored six artifacts displayed through varying information modalities while their eye movements—including fixation durations and transition patterns—were recorded to assess visual processing behavior. The results revealed that participants’ comprehension performance was strongly associated with their visual attention patterns, which differed systematically between visualizers and verbalizers. These differences reflect distinct visual exploration strategies, with cognitive style influencing how individuals allocate attention and process multimodal exhibition content. Eye movement data indicated that visualizers engaged in broader cross-modal integration, whereas verbalizers exhibited more linear, text-oriented strategies. The findings provide empirical evidence for the role of cognitive style in shaping visual behavior and interpretive outcomes in museum environments, underscoring the need for cognitively adaptive exhibition design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human-Centric Architectural Design: Neuroarchitecture as a New Tool to Shape Futureproof Inclusive Buildings)
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17 pages, 1475 KB  
Systematic Review
Exploring Neuroscientific Approaches to Architecture: Design Strategies of the Built Environment for Improving Human Performance
by Erminia Attaianese, Morena Barilà and Mariangela Perillo
Buildings 2025, 15(19), 3524; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15193524 - 1 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1425
Abstract
Since the 1960s, theories on the relationship between people and their environment have explored how elements of the built environment may directly or indirectly influence human behavior. In this context, neuroarchitecture is emerging as an interdisciplinary field that integrates neuroscience, architecture, environmental psychology, [...] Read more.
Since the 1960s, theories on the relationship between people and their environment have explored how elements of the built environment may directly or indirectly influence human behavior. In this context, neuroarchitecture is emerging as an interdisciplinary field that integrates neuroscience, architecture, environmental psychology, and cognitive science, with the aim of providing empirical evidence on how architectural spaces affect the human brain. This study investigates the potential of neuroarchitecture to inform environmental design by clarifying its current conceptual framework, examining its practical applications, and identifying the context in which it is being implemented. Beginning with an in-depth analysis of the definition of neuroarchitecture, its theoretical foundations, and the range of interpretations within the academic community, the study then offers a critical review of its practical applications across various design fields. By presenting a comprehensive overview of this emerging discipline, the study also summarizes the measurement techniques commonly employed in related research and critically evaluates design criteria based on observed human responses. Ultimately, neuroarchitecture represents a promising avenue for creating environments that deliberately enhance psychological and physiological well-being, paving the way toward truly human-centered design. Nevertheless, neuroarchitecture is still an emerging experimental field, which entails significant limitations. The experiments conducted are still limited to virtual reality and controlled experimental contexts. In addition, small and heterogeneous population samples have been tested, without considering human variability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human-Centric Architectural Design: Neuroarchitecture as a New Tool to Shape Futureproof Inclusive Buildings)
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