Neuroarchitecture

On March 19, the Enric Miralles Foundation hosted the discussion “Neuroarchitecture: Design and Emotional Well-being,” part of the “Architecture for Human, Urban, and Planetary Well-being” program—an event held as part of Barcelona World Capital of Architecture 2026. The interdisciplinary event encouraged reflection on how architecture, in dialogue with neuroscience, can influence people’s mental health and emotional well-being, highlighting the impact of the built environment on our daily experience.

Building on advances in neuroscience applied to design, the discussion explored how architecture can influence people’s cognitive, emotional, and sensory processes. In this context, the session proposed placing the human experience at the center of the architectural project, understanding care not only as a medical practice but also as a spatial dimension that connects design with people’s holistic well-being.

The study explored the relationship between the built environment and the human brain, how architecture can influence cognitive, emotional, and sensory processes, and how the design of spaces can help reduce stress, promote well-being, and improve quality of life.

“Neuroarchitecture: Design and Emotional Well-being” is part of the discussion series accompanying the exhibition “Healing Architectures: Designing Spaces of Care,” which presents the results of the Yale School of Architecture’s Spring 2025 Advanced Studio, led by Benedetta Tagliabue (Louis I. Kahn Visiting Professor of Architectural Design) and Can Vu Bui (Yale professor and critic).

The exhibition explored how architecture can become a key tool for providing emotional and physical support to people affected by cancer, examining—through the students’ work— the design of a new Kálida Center in Barcelona, next to the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, inspired by the philosophy of the Maggie’s Centers.

The dialogue is part of the program “Architecture for Human, Urban, and Planetary Well-being,” promoted by the Enric Miralles Foundation. It is a platform for research and debate that explores the transformative role of architecture in addressing major contemporary challenges.

Speakers:

– BENEDETTA TAGLIABUE
Co-founder and Principal Architect at EMBT Architects. Founder and President of the Enric Miralles Foundation

– ANDREA BARISELLI
Psychologist and neuroscientist; co-founder of Thimus. Author of the book “A Wild Mind”

– PATRICIA POZO
, Chief of the Neurology Department at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital

– GASPAR VILALTA
Caregiver, Service User at the Kálida Sant Pau Center

This event is part of the program for Barcelona 2026 World Capital of Architecture, a distinction awarded by UNESCO and the International Union of Architects (UIA) to the city hosting the UIA World Congress of Architects, and transforms it into a global forum for architecture, urban planning, and landscape architecture. From February 12 to December 13, a multidisciplinary program will be presented in collaboration with schools, universities, and professional and cultural organizations throughout Catalonia.

Barcelona 2026 World Capital of Architecture is supported by the Barcelona City Council, the Government of Catalonia, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.