An architectural research framework for the neuroscience of human experience

Abstract

The relationship between architecture and neuroscience is an ever-evolving research field forcing the architecture community to explore new theoretical, methodological, and practical approaches. The developments in neuroscience and cognitive sciences and the expanding knowledge of the human brain primarily contribute to understanding human experience and the experiential use of an environmental setting. As an architect, Albright (2020) asked what architects can do with this new knowledge of brain function, and I furthered the question by asking how architects can study with this new knowledge of brain function. Accordingly, the twofold aim of the dissertation is determined as 1) to investigate the neuroscience approach in architecture with an emphasis on the neuroscience of human experience and 2) to develop an architectural research framework for the neuroscience of human experience. With this aim in mind, multiple objectives are produced: 1) developing an overarching conceptual framework for the neuroscience approach in architecture, including elaborating theoretical discourses, methodological approaches, and practical implementations, and 2) building new knowledge on the neuroscience of human experience in architecture. To achieve the aim and objectives of the thesis, an integrated thesis is conducted, consisting of three independent research based on published papers along with introductory and concluding chapters. Each published research paper has its method, while the thesis has a methodological technique to link them into a cohesive conclusion, which is developing an architectural research framework for the neuroscience of human experience. The research papers are examined iteratively to construe insights for developing an architectural research framework for the neuroscience of human experience. Eventually, the thesis method relies upon the literature search to develop an architectural research framework and the knowledge gained from the three research papers.