The impact of the design of learning spaces on attention and memory from a neuroarchitectural approach:A systematic review

Enriched environments in animal models have demonstrated that exposure to an optimal stimulus improves behavior,cognition,and genomics.However,the evidence base for the neurophysiological influence of human environment enrichment has not been extensively studied.This systematic review compiles indicators about the effect of built,indoor environments on the cognitive processes of memory and attention in humans.This work pursues two main objectives:(1)to define current knowledge and the methods that are useful and identify whether previously published studies indicate consistencies and(2)to report the approaches and strategies that can be used in evaluating cognitive processes affected by environment response.Results of this systematic review show that(1)form and geometry,(2)space distribution and context,(3)color and texture,(4)height,width,and enclosure,(5)transition and circulation,and(6)light,sound,and temperature have an impact on memory and/or attention,and they can be assessed objectively.Despite all the advances in this field,methodological limitations and a lack of cross-validated standard protocols are found.Therefore,future research is necessary to provide a deep insight into how human cognition can be heightened by the environment to which it is exposed.

Lighting,colour and geometry:Which has the greatest influence on students’cognitive processes?

Many studies have analysed the effects that design elements,such as lighting and colour,have on students’cognitive functions.These analyses,while providing useful information,do not allow researchers to compare the effects of multiple design elements.The objective of the present study is to analyse the relative influence of lighting,colour and geometry on attention and memory,the main cognitive functions that underlie learning,and on preference.In a controlled,virtual reality(VR)-based experiment,200 university students(100 male/100 female)performed attention,memory and preference tests in classrooms with different configurations of lighting(colour temperature and illuminance),colour(saturation and hue)and geometry(height and width).The results identified significant gender-based differences,which demonstrates the need to segment,by gender,samples in this type of study.Lighting had the greatest influence,significantly affecting males’memories,females’attention and the preferences of both genders.Colour was also an influential element,significantly affecting females’attention,while geometry was the least influential.Finally,it should be highlighted that attention was the metric most sensitive to design variations.These results may be of interest to architects,interior designers and engineers who wish to create classrooms that satisfy students’psychological needs.