Neuroaesthetics – Design For The Mind Report

“Neuroaesthetics — Design for the Mind” is a new cultural study by Design Hotels that delves into how aesthetics, culture, and technology profoundly influence our brains, bodies, and behaviors. Researched and developed by Kinda Studios and in partnership with FSB Franz Schneider Brakel, the study collates insights across science, technology, and the arts, and features interviews with renowned voices including Reddymade’s Founding Principal Suchi Reddy, neuroscientist Anjan Chatterjee, and artist Refik Anadol.

A recent report found that people in developed countries spend over 90% of their time in built environments. What’s more, a 2023 survey in the UK revealed that 73% of people believe the way buildings look impacts their mental health. These findings underline the importance of applying the science of neuroaesthetics to the creation of spaces: designing for emotion can be viewed as a necessary function, as emotions are our most powerful physiological sensation and support our decision making, wellbeing, and states of balance.

When armed with new insights on neuroaesthetics, we can revolutionize design, creating a future where designing for emotion as a function begins to steer creative briefs and leads to more impactful results.

Following an exclusive preview and a panel discussion during Milan Design Week featuring Robyn Landau, Sigurd Larsen, Suchi Reddy, and moderated by Dezeen’s editorial director Max Fraser, the report offers four pillars to shape design decisions, 56 case studies that explore its practical applications, and an accessible tool kit for architects, hoteliers, designers, and more to adapt its core principles.

“Neuroaesthetics—Design for the Mind” can be downloaded here.