Neuroarchitecture looks at how colour influences designs

Neuroarchitecture is a discipline that studies the ability of the space around us to interact with our brains to influence perceptions and emotions.

It may seem rather unusual to shift our thinking about architecture by considering purely emotional and - in an etymological sense - sentimental aspects. Instinctively, you would view a building or an urban space only through the lens of what is concrete. In doing so, you then emphasise measurable, certain and reassuring aspects.

In recent years, however, something new made its appearance in the disciplines dealing with architecture and urban planning: neuroarchitecture. What we call neuroarchitecture emerged about 30 years ago thanks to the studies of neuroscientist Fred Gage. His field of study was shaped by the relationship between the built environment and the human brain. In a nutshell, built spaces are not only capable of meeting our most immediate and functional needs, linked to everyday life, but also influence our brains. Our brains respond to our behaviour and exploration/knowledge of our environment in its various degrees of proximity.

The concept of neuroarchitecture emphasises the importance of designing spaces that are not purely functional. These places should simultaneously promote mental and emotional well-being and do so through the conscious and skillful use of specific design ingredients.

The environment, viewed in its various components and in its many constituent and characterising factors, is told to those who perceive it and are immersed in it. This also and above all happens through something with which every architect and interior designer has an intimate and profound connection: colour.

How does this factor manage to influence emotions, thoughts and general well-being? And most importantly, how can it be used as a tool for designing spaces?

What does science say? The perception of colour begins when light hits the retina and stimulates the cones, as cells specialised in colour perception. However, colour is not limited to an optical function. Its role as an influencer is much more relevant and is linked to an ability to activate different areas of the brain, defining emotions and cognitive processes.

Let's take a few concrete examples. Neuroscience studies show that colours like blue calm the activity of the amygdala - the part of the brain's temporal lobe that processes emotions - reducing stress. Red, on the other hand, stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the more instinctive responses of attack or flight. Red increases attention and perception of danger.

The use in hospitals of relaxing shades such as blue - which promotes calmness and creativity - and green - which reduces stress and cardiac activity - helps calm patients, reduces anxiety and accompanies the post-operative course and recovery with positive ‘vibrations’. These effects are linked to the ability of colours to act as a positive distraction. They divert attention from stressful factors, such as pain, which our brains perceive as very negative.

In work and education spaces, where prolonged concentration is required, the field is again open to blue, which promotes calmness and creativity. And red? If you dose it carefully and use it gently, it increases concentration. This concentration is charged with energy, and is therefore perfect in contexts where activities are performed that require attention and a direct, forceful approach.

The psychology of colour is now firmly established. This is supported by research showing how different hues can influence our moods and thus become valuable allies in design.

However, one cannot talk about colour in architecture - and neuroarchitecture - without naming the fundamentally reinforcing and characterising role of light. Here, too, we should provide you with a concrete example, supported by statistical data. A recent study conducted on a sample of more than 21,000 students showed that classrooms with more natural light and soothing colours improved reading performance by 26% and maths performance by 20%.

Putting light and colour together, we can continue the discussion by talking about their temperature. For example, have you ever noticed how cold colours seem to retreat and increase the sense of space, and how warm colours, on the other hand, make space closer and narrower, enveloping and holding us in it?

If we then carefully dose the contribution of sound alongside colour and light, creating environments that can improve quality of life comes ever closer to our daily and operational activity as designers. We not only pay attention to the functionality of what we bring to life through the use of pencil and/or mouse, but also address its deeper meanings and expressive and communicative potential.