Chapter 6: The Impact of the Environment on the Brain

The purpose of this chapter is to present how neurosciences applied to architecture can be an important factor for people’s health and quality of life in workspaces. Studies have shown that physical environments produce stimuli and constantly interact with individuals, which can result in positive and negative sensations. Spaces that interact positively give a sensation of wellbeing, enhancing personal relationships both in the environment and with other individuals. However, negative interactions do the opposite, causing not only ill-being but also diseases. The brain is actively stimulated by the environment, even when people are not aware of it, producing sensations and emotions. Thus, this article will show how a well-designed architectural project based on neurosciences can contribute to the quality of life of people who use workspaces and reduce stress. It uses as an illustration for the interactions between architecture and neurosciences smart workplaces which are spaces where people are prioritized and benefit from the exchange of experiences with the place they occupy.