Neuroaesthetics, Neuroarchitecture & Intentional Spaces

NeoCon Presentation Description: Today's design challenges require a deeper understanding of why environments matter, not only for function and aesthetics, but for how they shape human experience. As the demands for wellbeing, inclusion, and human-centered spaces grow, neuroaesthetics and neuroarchitecture offer insight into emotional, cognitive, and physiological responses to our surroundings. This session brings together experts in neuroaesthetics, neuroarchitecture, and research-driven design to explore strategies for creating intentional spaces that support human flourishing. Drawing from evidence-based research, case studies, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, panelists will discuss how brain science and sensory research inform design decisions. Grounded in work from ANFA, IAM Lab, and leading design practice, this session bridges research and application, offering strategies to create neuroscience-informed, human-centered intentional spaces that support human flourishing, belonging, health, and wellbeing.

UPALI NANDA, PhD, Assoc. AIA, EDAC, ACHE

Global Sector Director, Innovation

HKS

Dr. Upali Nanda is EVP and Global Sector Director for Innovation at HKS, an international architectural firm where she oversees a range of innovation practices that work within, through and beyond the built environment for meaningful impact. Prior to her current role she served as the global research director for the firm and as the Executive Director for the non-profit Center for Advanced Design Research and Education. Dr. Nanda also teaches “HealthByDesign” as Associate Professor of Practice at the Taubman School of Architecture and Urban Planning at University of Michigan

Susan Magsamen, MAS

Executive director, International Arts + Mind Lab (IAM Lab), Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics

Johns Hopkins University

Susan Magsamen is the founder and executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab (IAM Lab), Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her work explores how the arts and aesthetic experiences measurably change the brain, body, and behavior, and how these insights can inform health, wellbeing, and learning programs. Magsamen developed Impact Thinking, a translational research model that applies scientific methods to arts and aesthetics for real-world applications. She co-directs NeuroArts Blueprint project with the Aspen Institute and is co-author of New York Times bestseller Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us.

Margaret Tarampi, PhD

Immediate Past President

Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture (ANFA)

Margaret R. Tarampi, PhD is the Immediate Past President of the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture (ANFA), an international nonprofit dedicated to integrating neuroscience research with design practice to create environments where all human can thrive. She is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience and Director of University Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Hartford in West Hartford CT. Her Spatial Cognition and Physical Environments (SCaPE) Laboratory investigates the cognitive mechanisms that underlie space perception and spatial cognition across select populations, including visually impaired individuals and spatial experts. Her interdisciplinary work spans research, teaching, and visual art, exploring human perception through science and design.

Yong In, CDF, IIDA, IDEC, ASID, NCIDQ, RID, LEED AP, WELL AP, Fitwel Ambassador

Clinical Assistant Professor

Purdue University

Yong In is a designer, strategist, educator, and an IIDA Certified Design Futurist (CDF). She is Clinical Assistant Professor at Purdue University, Creative Director/Design Strategist at INxD Studio, and a regular columnist for OfficeInsight magazine, where she writes about people-first, experience-driven design.

With background spanning interior architecture, workplace strategy, and experience design, her work has received multiple AIA, IIDA, and ASID awards and has been published across leading design publications. As a connector between research and practice, she advocates for a science-based, human-centered design, exploring how built environments influence the brain, emotions, behavior, and wellbeing through sensory design, neuroaesthetics, and neuroarchitecture.

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This content will not be available until 06/07/2026 at 8:00 AM (EDT)