Sense of Space: The Neuro-Architectural Art that Shapes Human Experience.

Project idea

The competition requires participants to envision and design a groundbreaking community
center dedicated to neuroscience, situated within the prestigious Salk Institute campus.
Through the lens of five key topics—Sensation and Perception, Learning and Memory,
Decision Making, Emotion and Affect, and Movement—participants are tasked with
crafting spaces that not only educate but also inspire. Central to the competition's idea is
the integration of neuroscience principles into architectural and interior design solutions.
Beyond the thematic exploration, designers must accommodate diverse user
demographics, ensuring accessibility and functionality for all. Collaborative efforts
between an artist/architect and a scientist are pivotal, as they work symbiotically to infuse
creativity and scientific rigor into the center's design. Ultimately, entries will be judged
based on their adept utilization of provided research, clarity of design articulation, and
innovative approach to bridging the realms of neuroscience and architecture.

Project description

The form of the building in this project is deeply inspired by the intricate workings of the human brain,
particularly the concept of neurons firing and forming neural connections. This biomimetic approach drives
the overall aesthetic and functional design, making the architecture not just a static entity but a dynamic
organism. The undulating forms and intersecting pathways of the building are a direct reference to neural
networks, symbolizing connectivity and communication.
Movement within the building is designed to flow naturally, much like the synaptic activity in a brain.
Pathways are intuitive, guiding users through the space in a way that feels organic and unforced. This is
achieved through a combination of open curved spaces for circulation and subtle directional cues like light
paths, ensuring that movement is both fluid and purposeful. This design strategy not only facilitates easy
navigation but also encourages interaction and engagement, much like how neural pathways facilitate
communication within the brain.
The form of the building is a manifestation of neural principles, designed to enhance human sensory
experiences and facilitate natural movement. This approach ensures that the architectural design is both
innovative and deeply connected to the underlying principles of neuroscience, aligning perfectly with the
brief's focus on integrating neuroscience with architectural innovation.

Technical information

The principle of sensation and perception is embedded in the building's interaction with light, materiality,
and spatial arrangement. Natural light filters through large windows, by the use of vertical wooden elements
creating a dynamic play of light and shadow that changes throughout the day, mimicking the brain's
response to sensory stimuli. The choice of materials—ranging from textured stone to smooth glass—
engages the sense of touch and sight, evoking varied sensory responses. Color schemes and acoustic
treatments are meticulously chosen to enhance the perception of space, making the environment both
stimulating and calming.
The ground floor of the community center includes several key areas designed to influence sensory
experiences and movement: the main entrance hall, foyer, exhibition areas, book fair, cafeteria, and
associated facilities such as locker rooms and offices.
The first floor of the community center includes various spaces such as conference rooms, office spaces,
and additional exhibition areas, designed to facilitate different activities and enhance sensory experiences.