Neural Basis of Action Simulation in Architectural Perception: A Multi-voxel Pattern Analysis Study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Architecture

Background:

• Perceiving objects and environments triggers mental simulations of potential actions.
• Previous navigation research shows spatial configurations guide locomotion, but interaction-evoking architectural elements' neural basis is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate if passive perception of architectural elements recruits motor-related brain networks.
• Determine if brain activations are specific to the actions implied by each element.

Main Methods:

• fMRI data from 31 participants during passive viewing of architectural elements.
• Multi-voxel pattern analysis (MVPA) to identify action-architectural element associations.
• Classification ratio maps to analyze neural patterns and action specificity.

Main Results:

• Passive perception elicits neural patterns aligned with architectural elements' primary functions.
• Sensorimotor representations of required interactions are encoded during passive viewing.
• Anticipatory processes activate motor regions like premotor cortex and dorsal visual pathway.

Conclusions:

• Action simulation plays a crucial role in architectural perception.
• The brain is primed to engage with environmental affordances at the sensorimotor level.
• Neuroscience-informed design can optimize architecture for embodied human cognition.