b'Given todays fast-paced lifestyle, people often findSpecifically, natural environments slow heart rates Evidence Based Designthemselves in high-stress fight or flight mode. Toand reduce blood pressure. Use of natural elements counteract this, the built environment needs to bein designed spaces has been proven to offer in-both restorative and inclusive. Mindfully designedcreased oxytocin levels (leading to a greater sense spaces should amplify the rest and digest modeof connection to the environment, peers, and one-& Neuroarchitecture as well as psychological sustainability, while at theself), reduced cortisol levels (thus reducing stress), same time accommodating high-density occupan- and increased serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins cy. Neuroarchitecture and biophilic design are two(also known as happiness hormones associated important tools for designers to achieve all thesewith pleasure, motivation, reward, and well-being).Emotional, Behavioral, and Motivationalwithout prioritizing one over another.Art installations depicting nature have also been Studies conducted by dozens of universities overproven to offer the same effects by offering an aes-Responses to the Built Environment the past 20 years arrive at the same conclusion:thetic experience.being in the presence of nature or using natural elements in a designed space (biophilic designTherefore, spaces optimally designed with bio-Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systemsprinciples) helps occupants achieve this relaxed,philia and neuroarchitecture principles provide the pleasurable state.sensory stimuli to heal faster, feel better, increase INTEGRAL TO THE SUCCESSof any designed spaceIn essence, humans react to the world around themhealth and well-being, and boost productivity. is the community that is nurtured in and aroundthrough their nervous systems. it. Occupant quality of life is the end goal of todays indoor environments. Gone are the daysThe autonomic nervous system has two distinctiveGarden on the Wallis an exceptionalHalkin/Mason Photography, LLC.of purely functional spaces, walls, and doors builttypes of responses to exterior stimuli:natural plant art solution in the to the lowest common denominators, with nodesigners toolbox to help them create consideration for aesthetics, materials - other thanSympathetic Response(a.k.a Fight or Flight orspaces that elevate occupants well-on a cost basis - acoustics, design harmony, art,Freeze) which evolved for survival.lighting, and all the other elements that make abeing at every level. space something desirable, not just survivable. AllParasympathetic Response(a.k.a Rest and Di-these factors contribute to positive responses ingest) which evolved for seeking pleasure. Garden on the Walltakes an active the built environment.part in academic research on art, neuroarchitecture, biophilic design, and mapping future design sensitivities that will impact the A&D world tomorrow. We recognize and support Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics (PCfN) in their study: Photography by Corey GafferHow aesthetic experiences nourish the human spirit, inspire creativity and innovation, stimulate thought, bring people together, catalyze personal and social transformation, express values and meaning, and reveal the human condition.** Prof. Anjan Chatterjee, MD., Director of Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics, PCfN 2022 Annual Report For an individual to maintain a stable internal en- While fight or flight mode increases heart rate, blood vironment and overall health and well-being, theirpressure, and respiration, diverting blood flow to vital sympathetic and parasympathetic response systemsorgans and muscles for immediate action for surviv-should be in balance. This balance, homeostasis, isal, the rest and digest mode slows down heart rate, achieved with a ratio of 15% survival (fight or flight)reduces blood pressure, and diverts blood to diges-and 85% pleasure (rest and digest) responses.tive organs for a more relaxed, pleasurable state.22 23'