NEURO_ARCHITECTURE

Priscilla is the founder and content curator of the Brazilian Academy of Neuroscience and Architecture (NEUROARQ® Academy). 
She is an architect and urban planner, certified in Neuroscience and Architecture, Design and
Urbanism (Newschool, USA) UU.). In addition, she is the coordinator of ACE (ANFA).
Center Education) - Latin America 2020/21. 


She has been an instructor in NeuroDesign at DigitalFutures WORLD 2020 - ARCHITECTS UNITE 10th Summer (University)
Tongji - Shanghai/China). Specialist in projects for work environments (Gpr. Work Platz Expertin/GEPR. Bureau in Richterin). She also acts as an international quality office consultant (Quality Office Consultant). Certified in Mental Health by Albert Einstein Hospital. He has postgraduate degrees in Interior Architecture and in Neurosciences and Behavior. She is the founder of QUALIDADE CORPORATIVA Smart Workplaces®. Lecturer and consultant in Neuroscience and Architecture, with
several media publications on the subject, including TEDx Speaker 2020.

Interview

1_

What is neuroarchitecture and what is its importance for the development of architectural projects?

Neuroarchitecture is the convergence of two different disciplines (neuroscience and architecture) that complement each other, with the objective of studying the brain, human behavior and their interactions with the physical environment.

Although the term “neuroarchitecture” is popular, to express more clearly the breadth of this approach, we chose to use the designation “neuroscience applied to architecture”.

This interdisciplinarity allows neuroarchitecture to thoroughly analyze the impacts of the physical environment on human behavior, while at the same time instructing us on how to apply this knowledge to the conception and design of environments.

Therefore, neuroarchitecture not only investigates the relationship between the brain and architecture, but it also provides valuable support for the creation of spaces that promote people's well-being and quality of life.

In addition, neuroarchitecture exceeds expectations and encompasses a variety of fields and disciplines, bringing together experts to understand how physical spaces influence our minds and actions.

2_

In the case of architecture and urban planning, how much time do we spend in a certain environment and can the frequency with which we return interfere with how it impacts us?

Of course, the environment around us has a significant impact on our perceptions, often unconsciously. The length of our stay in these environments also influences this perception, for example, the experience of someone who regularly visits a different place than someone who has never been there. The more familiar you are with an environment, the more your perception of it changes, as well as the way in which it affects you.

The NEUROARQ® Academy developed its own tool, the Environmental Self-Perception Scale (EAPA®), that helps evaluate these perceptions. They consider factors such as the time a person spends in the environment and their degree of familiarity with it. This allows us to carry out more personalized research on the impact of the environment on people

3_

For some years now, we have seen a global trend of large companies, such as Google, providing more pleasant, relaxed and welcoming work environments. What is the importance of creating spaces like these in the contemporary world?

When discussing the creation of spaces in corporate environments, it is important to consider the relevance of these spaces in the contemporary world. Companies like Google are known for their pleasant, uncluttered and welcoming work environments, reflecting company culture and attracting people with aligned values. However, there is no “single recipe” for developing internal company projects; each company must adopt an approach that aligns with its own culture and needs.

There are three crucial points to consider when determining a company's design. First, company culture is a determining factor. Second, the type of activity performed by employees influences the design of the environment. For example, an environment for a company in the financial sector, focused on spreadsheets and calculations, will be different from an advertising agency, where creativity is stimulated more. Third, the analysis of the people who work in the company is essential: their profile, age, gender, time in the company and expectations. This analysis must consider both the functional and emotional needs of the employees.

Neuroscience applied to architecture plays a significant role in this analysis, helping to understand the functional and emotional needs of workers. When defining the design of a corporate environment, it is crucial to consider these three variables to ensure the well-being and health of employees. You should not simply replicate models such as Google without taking these factors into account, since each company has its own characteristics and needs.

4_

During the pandemic, many people started working from home, and today, the hybrid day is a reality in many companies. How does physical distance between the company and its employee affect work productivity and sense of belonging?

At the NEUROARQ® Academy, we understand that the application of neuroarchitecture does not follow a fixed formula, but rather observes specific details in the construction of spaces. Our methodology encompasses areas beyond neuroscience, such as medicine, social sciences, anthropology and psychology, to understand the human reaction to environments, based on scientific evidence.

We have observed, especially since the pandemic, strategies adopted by some companies, such as hybrid work. In this model, employees divide their time between the office, for activities that require social interaction, and remote work at home. We recognize the importance of the human being as a social being and the need to balance this with the freedom to work from home. A crucial question is how to keep company culture and sense of belonging alive, even when employees are not physically present in the office every day. This aspect is essential to keep professionals engaged.

We believe that the hybrid model may be the best current solution to meet these needs. An employee who works exclusively from home may find it harder to feel connected and committed to the company. In addition, we recognize that not all professionals want to return to the in-person work environment. The physical distance between the employee and the company can affect productivity and commitment, since physical presence in the office influences business culture. Therefore, many companies seek a balance in the hybrid model, so as not to completely lose the physical link with the office.