Brain Dynamics during Architectural Experience: Prefrontal and Hippocampal Regions Track Aesthetics and Spatial...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Architecture
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Architectural experience integrates spatial layout processing and emotional responses, yet these are often studied in isolation.
• Understanding the neural basis of experiencing the built environment is crucial for advancing neuroarchitecture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the distinct and overlapping neural contributions to spatial and aesthetic processing of architectural environments.
• To explore how brain activity relates to the memorability, spatial complexity, and aesthetic qualities of buildings and cities.

Main Methods:

• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to monitor brain activity in participants viewing first-person movies of architectural spaces.
• Participants performed tasks judging spatial complexity and aesthetic valence, followed by a debriefing on memorability.
• Specific aesthetic qualities (curvature, fascination, coherence, hominess) were assessed.

Main Results:

• Valence processing regions (e.g., ventromedial prefrontal cortex) responded to aesthetic qualities and valence judgments.
• Spatial processing regions (e.g., parahippocampal cortex) were more active with increased spatial complexity.
• The hippocampus and parahippocampal cortex showed associations with memorability, modulated by both spatial and aesthetic factors.
• Specific regions were linked to fascination, coherence, and hominess; inverse curvature activated spatial, valence, and visual processing areas.

Conclusions:

• Distinct brain networks support the processing of spatial and aesthetic aspects of the built environment.
• The hippocampus and parahippocampal cortex play a role in the memory of spaces, integrating sensory and emotional information.
• These findings offer insights into the neural mechanisms underlying our experience of buildings and cities, contributing to neuroarchitecture.