Neuroscience and Design

Course

Nowadays, the design of artificial spaces and industrial artifacts requires the integration of technical expertise with knowledge from social sciences, physiology, psychology, and neuroscience. The Executive Course in Neuroscience and Design is built upon this interdisciplinary dialogue. The program explores methodologies for analyzing human activities, considering them as a starting point for design. The key objectives of the course include:

• Integrating the technical skills of the designer with the foundations of neuroscience, physiology, and psychology
• Deepening the understanding of perceptual mechanisms
• Learning to apply insights into human behavior in the design process of space and objects
• Acquiring multidisciplinary knowledge for enhancing the spatial experience in order to develop crucial skills for working in cutting-edge design firms

The Executive Course has a duration of 60 hours and it is exclusively held in English and remotely, except for the seminar scheduled in Venice during the Biennale opening (April 20) and the final lesson in Milan at POLI.design (July 5). The educational proposal comprises theoretical lectures, seminars, and practical exercises exploring the following themes:

• Introduction to the physiology of perception in relation to spaces
• Design and mental health
• Designing environments and objects in harmony with the human being

Didactics

Didactic Modules

The 60-hour course unfolds over three months, featuring a five-hour lesson each week held remotely on Friday afternoons. The language of instruction is English. The three training modules provide knowledge concerning the physiology of the human body and the intricacies of perceptual mechanisms. Moreover, they facilitate the application of this knowledge in the design process.

Module 1 | Hours: 20
Physiology of Perception

Introduction to the relationship between the body and neuronal activity, studying how spatial characteristics influence human behavior, with a focus on memory and emotions. In-person seminar at the Venice Biennale, with a specific focus on the theses of students from the Master in Neuroscience Applied to Architecture and Design.

Focus: the link between neuroscience and design (a class at the Venice Biennale); the body and brain dualism; how spatial features affect behavior; the relation between memory and emotions.

Module 2 | Hours: 20
Design and Mental Health

Focus on perception in architecture and urban space, integration of theory of emotion with theory of mind models, and the impact of these processes on human health.

Focus: the “4E” (Embodied, Extended, Enacted, Embedded) approach to perceptions; the cycle of perception; integrating scales of perception;
affordances and atmospheres

Module 3 | Hours: 20
Designing the Attunement

Application of knowledge from previous modules in the design phase for industrial and interior design. Evaluation of case studies on well-being, workplaces, and learning environments. A final in-person seminar in Milan (at POLI.design) concludes the educational journey with faculty and other special guests.

Focus: neuroscience as starting point for Industrial Design and Interior Design projects; case studies on healthcare, workplace, learning environment projects; final seminar (in presence at the POLI.design’s Bovisa Durando Campus).

Title Released

Upon completion of the training program, participants will receive the open badge for the Executive Course in Neuroscience and Design from POLI.design.

Admission

Requirements

Who is it for?

• Graduates in Architecture, Engineering, and Design.
• Interior Designers, Industrial Designers, Architects.
• Professionals and managers from major design firms venturing into private and public real estate development.
• Designers seeking to integrate sensitive social factors into the production process to comply with ESG criteria.

Admission to the course is subject to a preliminary selection (a good knowledge of the English language is essential). Candidates must submit the following selection documents via this LINK:

• Copy of the Tax Code (Codice Fiscale) and identification document
• CV briefly describing their professional profile

Price

The total cost of the course is € 3.000 + 22% VAT per student. This sum must be paid in a single installment upon signing the private agreement.

Faculty