NEUROSCIENCE AND ARCHITECTURE: FASCINATION; COHERENCE; HOMINESS

Previous research (Coburn et al., 2020; Weinberger et al., 2021) has delineated three dimensions along which people’s psychological and neural responses to the built environment can be understood. These dimensions include coherence, the organization and legibility of a space; fascination, a complexity that invites exploration; and hominess. the sense of comfort and belonging within a space. Incorporating Coburn’s principles of coherence, hominess, and fascination in the design process is paramount for creating spaces that are not only functional but also emotionally engaging.

Prioritising coherence, designers create environments that are harmonious and balanced, creating a sense of order and tranquillity. By embracing hominess, designers cultivate spaces that feel warm and welcoming, creating a sense of comfort and belonging. By infusing spaces with elements of fascination, environments can inspire curiosity, spark imagination, and engage the senses, prompting meaningful interactions and experiences.

Ruth Dalston: We have now established a list of building design features, supported through neuroscience research, that appear to produce strong, positive emotions in people: fascination; coherence; hominess; unusualness; spatial complexity; curvaceous forms; views of nature and spaces for social encounter.