Bioclimatic architecture
and its influence on neuroarchitecture. Case study: FAU-UG, Guayaquil, Ecuador
Arquitectura bioclimática
en influencia en la neuroarquitectura. Caso de Estudio: FAU-UG, Guayaquil,
Ecuador
Luis Amando Seis Mendoza*
Alfredo Javier Plúa Marcillo*
María Verónica Rivadeneira Rodríguez*
Issac Ronald Muñoz Mindiola*
ABSTRACT
Bioclimatic
architecture focuses on the design of buildings that take advantage of the
natural conditions of the environment to improve thermal, lighting, and
acoustic comfort, which has a direct impact on people's well-being and
cognitive comfort. However, the focus of this study is characterized by the
function of bioclimatic criteria as indicators that contribute to the cognitive
comfort of people with ASD and psychosensory disorders within the Faculty of
Architecture and Urbanism. It should be noted that at the University of
Guayaquil, 12.45% of students suffer from psychological disorders due to stress
and mental exhaustion, which is why the study is justified in seeking to create
spaces that promote relaxation and overall comfort. According to a sample
provided by the Student Welfare Department, more than 68% of students at the
Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism (FAU) experience stress, as determined by
a student census, which also revealed that 5.63% have ASD and psychosensory
disorders, which are attributed to their disability. This scientific document
will address techniques for establishing comfortable spaces within the
faculty's classroom modules and provide criteria based on cognitive analysis
and decision-making. It concludes that the study of individuals' own faculties
contributed to deriving criteria for sizing and active contact with natural
spaces, which led to a 65% decrease in psychosensory disorders and a 50%
increase in concentration within the classroom.
Keywords:
neuroarchitecture, cognitive comfort, ASD, bioclimatic architecture
RESUMEN
La
arquitectura bioclimática se enfoca en el diseño de edificaciones que
aprovechan las condiciones naturales del entorno para mejorar el confort
térmico, lumínico y acústico, lo que tiene un impacto directo en el bienestar y
el confort cognitivo de las personas. Mas no obstante el enfoque del presente
estudio se caracteriza en la función de los criterios bioclimáticos como
indicadores que aporten al confort cognitivo de las personas con TEA y
alteraciones psicosensoriales dentro de la Facultad
de Arqiutectura y Urbanismo. Se destaca
que en la Universidad de
Guayaquil como tal un
12,45% responden a alteraciones
psicológicas por factores de estrés y agotamiento mental por lo que el estudio
se justifica al tratar de generar espacios que generen relajación
y confort integral. En la Facultad
de Arquitectura y Urbanismo según
una muestra proporcionada por el Departamento de Bienestar Estudiantil, existe un nivel de estrés de más del 68% de los estudiantes de la FAU, determinado
por un censo estudiantil el cual arrojo
también como dato importante que el 5,63% tienen TEA y alteraciones psicosensoriales las
cuales se atribuyen a s discapacidad. El presente documento científico abordara las técnicas para establecer espacios confortables dentro de los módulos de aulas de la Facultad y proporcionar criterios desde un análisis cognitivo y de toma de decisiones. Se concluye que el
estudio de las facultades propias de los individuos aporto a derivar un criterio de dimensionamiento y contacto activo con espacios naturales que propiciaron una disminución del 65% de alteraciones psicosensoriales y aumentaron en un 50% la concentración dentro del aula de clase.
Palabras
clave: neuroarquitectura, confort cognitivo, TEA, arquitectura bioclimática
INTRODUCTION
Bioclimatic architecture and neuroarchitecture are two
approaches that, although based on different principles, can complement each
other to create more efficient, healthy spaces adapted to human needs. Neuroarchitecture
is an interdisciplinary field that combines neuroscience, psychology, and architecture
as a particular approach to designing environments that promote well-being and
improve cognitive and sensory functioning (Kadıoğlu-Akbulut
et al. 2023). In the context of educational spaces, neuroarchitecture can play
a crucial role in creating environments that support and improve psychological
recovery (Kolonin 2022).
Studies have shown that the physical environment can
significantly affect a person's mood, behavior, and overall well-being. For
example, spaces with natural light, a view of nature, and comfortable furniture
can create a calm and supportive environment (Papanastasiou et al. 2022), while
spaces with poor lighting, clutter, and inadequate ventilation can increase
levels of anxiety and stress.
Neuroarchitecture can also help address specific
psychological conditions by using sensory stimulation to promote relaxation and
reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD). For example, incorporating elements such as natural light, water
features, and plants can help reduce stress levels and promote a sense of calm,
while the use of textures, colors, and patterns can be used to create a
sensory-rich environment that engages the brain and reduces symptoms of anxiety.
In spaces, it is also important to consider the needs and
preferences of individuals and their relationship with the environment (Unni et
al. 2022). For example, some people may prefer a quiet and serene environment,
while others may benefit from a more active and engaging space, but these
spaces must be in harmony with nature.
The interaction between bioclimatic architecture and
neuroarchitecture allows for the creation of spaces that are not only
sustainable and efficient, but also healthy and adapted to human needs. This
integration is key to the future of architectural design, where people's
well-being and respect for the environment must go hand in hand.
MATERIALS
AND METHODS
The study of psychological conditions within study
spaces is an important field of research that focuses on understanding how the
physical environment of study spaces affects patients' mental health and
well-being (Erkan 2021).
Physical study spaces are designed to help people
recover from injuries or illnesses that affect their physical abilities (Pico
et al. 2021). However, these spaces can also have a significant impact on
patients' psychological well-being. For example, the design of a study space
can influence patients' perceptions of their progress, levels of motivation,
and overall satisfaction with their treatment.
Psychological study spaces in Ecuador provide
treatment focused on patient dissipation through activities in semi-open
spaces, periodic testing, prescribed medication, and personalized interaction.
This model has had a 46% effectiveness rate across its 42 accredited psychological
study centers throughout the country (Álvarez Córdova et al. 2020).
Research in this field explores the impact of
psychological study using complementary elements such as natural light, colors,
sound, public spaces, green areas, and furniture to reduce stress levels and
improve the overall well-being of patients. Other factors that can be explored
include the design and organization of space, the degree of privacy and social
interaction, and the presence of visual distractions or stressors.
Psychological conditions that can be studied within study
spaces include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and
adjustment disorder. These conditions, based on neuroarchitecture design
standards, can have a significant impact on the recovery process of patients,
as well as their overall quality of life.
Perceptions of bioclimatic
architecture and neuroarchitecture
Perception is a central concept in neuroarchitecture,
as the design of physical spaces directly influences how people experience
space. Visual perception manifests interpretations of color, texture, shape,
and lighting. The primary axis of visual perception is contrast, which is used
as the tool that shapes this type of perception (Papanastasiou et al. 2022),
taking into account that contrasting colors or textures can highlight certain
characteristics or create a sense of depth in a space.
As a second compositional axis, the design and
organization of a space influence the perception of clarity and mental
dissipation by employing, for example, unobstructed lines of sight that allow
for the creation of sensations such as order and control, while a more chaotic
space filled with elements can create feelings of confusion and disorientation
(Yarushev and Averkin
2018).
Natural perception is defined within semi-open and
open spaces in relation to public spaces where natural elements such as green
areas and bodies of water are distributed and integrated with furniture,
creating a sense of calm and relaxation (Ajrina and Kustiwan 2019), while harder industrial materials can
create a sense of tension or unease.
Sound perception is established as an articulating
element within neuroarchitecture. The acoustics of a space can affect how
people experience and interpret sound, and the use of soundscapes or background
noise can create a specific atmosphere or mood (Karakas and Yildiz 2020).
Spatial perception can affect social behavior. Thus,
the distribution between closed, semi-open, and open spaces would encourage
social interaction, while a closed space with an interior layout can create a
feeling of intimacy or concentration (Salingaros
2020).
Perceptions play a fundamental role in how people
experience and interpret physical spaces. By understanding how design affects
perception, designers can create spaces that are not only functional and
aesthetically pleasing, but also support specific moods, behaviors, and
experiences (Banaei et al. 2017).
The objective of this study is to provide a
comprehensive study of the patient by addressing a neuroarchitecture approach,
applying considerations of sensory and spatial perception that contribute to
dispersion, concentration, and socialization within spaces that respond to the
senses, enhancing relaxation and the treatment process.
In conclusion, the application of neuroarchitecture in
physical study spaces has the potential to greatly enhance the recovery process
for people with psychological conditions (Bermudez et al. 2017). By creating
environments that support well-being, promote a sense of calm, and engage the
senses, neuroarchitecture can play a critical role in helping people achieve
their study goals.
Towards an interrelational methodology
Traditionally, a unidirectional approach has been used,
but in this case, the interrelation between two approaches turns the study into
a search for information and data that can reveal the real conditions of the
phenomenon; therefore, a mixed-method approach will be used. The evaluation of
the current study model and its characteristics plays a circumstantial role in
understanding the particular condition of individuals with ASD or psychosensory
impairments, for which their current conditions will be recorded as determined
in the following table:
Table1
. Characterization of psychosensory impairments
among FAU-UG students.
|
Period |
Faculty |
Impairment |
Percentage |
Status |
|
2024-2025 IIC |
Architecture and Urban Planning |
Psychosocial |
4.26 |
Second enrollment |
|
2024-2025 IIC |
Architecture and Urban Planning |
Stress |
68.0 |
First - Second enrollment |
|
2024-2025 IIC |
Architecture and Urban Planning |
TEA |
5.63 |
Third enrollment |
|
2024-2025 IIC |
Architecture and Urban Planning |
Psychosensory Disability |
2.25 |
Second enrollment |
Note: Data from the FAU-UG Student Welfare Department
(2024)
In recent years, the number of students with
disabilities has grown by 3% (data taken from the average – FAU-UG Student
Welfare), which means that classrooms and teaching staff must be trained and
updated to cater for a comprehensive and inclusive educational model that was
not conceived at the beginning of the faculty. The following table shows the
case of students with psychosensory impairments enrolled in this second
semester of the current year, identifying that the dropout rate or number of
enrollments resulting from repeating the course is more consistent in this type
of social stratum. This background information made it possible to visualize
that part of the educational structure does not generate support for
disabilities, which is growing in relevance semester after semester.
The decision-making method is used as a tool to
determine individuals' preferences through their collective experience in analyzing
the situation, the problem, the decision, and the potential problems
encountered by each individual, generating a weighted
average of results.
RESULTS
Standardized criteria
To establish the standardized criteria, the two
architectural approaches studied (bioclimate and neuro) were taken into
account, with color, shape, interaction with green areas, and social
integration as optimal fundamentals. The scatter plot established levels of
acceptance by the users surveyed (60), ranging from a level of 0 to a level of
5 in relation to color and its minimum or maximum weighting to form the
dispersion of choice.
Table 1.
Scatter plot for color choice.
Note: Prepared by the authors.
The colors proposed focused on the perception of the
patient's emotional health and how these colors stimulate tranquility and the
stay of users within a psychiatric center. The established color palette is
based on current color trends in treatment spaces. According to the scatter
plot, the most appropriate colors are white, blue, green, peach, and brown, as
they obtained the highest acceptance score from users (60).
Table 2
. Spatial matrix of form by structuring.
Note: Prepared by the authors.
The shape choices are based on the conceptualization
of shape and structure, whether the shape is maintained or whether combinations
of shapes generate succession without creating voids, complex transit spaces,
or spaces with no apparent exit. The framework of options is designed in
accordance with existing analogous models and design guidelines for functional
neuroarchitecture spaces. The weightings are established in ranges from 1 to 3,
with the highest being the best selection.
Table 3.
Positive and negative perceptual
selection of green and social areas.
Note: Prepared by the authors.
Interaction with green areas and social integration
generate a positive perception of this model integrated into buildings as part of psychological treatment.
DISCUSSION
The combination of these innovative trends is becoming
a recurring pattern applied in multiple projects. A formula focused on human
well-being that also has a positive impact on energy efficiency and
sustainability.
The implementation of neuroarchitecture and
bioclimatic design in educational spaces (classrooms) has a notable impact on
employee well-being and, consequently, improved performance. For example, a
study by the University of Exeter found that introducing plants into the office
increased productivity by 15%, as it reduced visual and mental fatigue and
improved concentration (Ghazvinian et al., 2019).
The application of bioclimatic architecture in
neuroarchitecture represents a convergence between energy efficiency and human
well-being. Both disciplines, although with different approaches, share common
goals: to create spaces that improve people's quality of life while respecting
the environment. The relationship between bioclimatic architecture and
neuroarchitecture allows for the creation of spaces that are not only energy
efficient and environmentally friendly, but also promote the emotional and cognitive
well-being of students.
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* Msc. Full-time Contract Professor, University of
Guayaquil – Researcher, luis.seism@ug.edu.ec, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2444-790X
* Msc. Full-time Contract Professor, University of
Guayaquil – Researcher, alfredo.pluam@ug.edu.ec, https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6227-721X
* Msc. Full-time Contract Professor, University of
Guayaquil – Researcher, maria.rivadeneirar@ug.edu.ec, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7525-1600
* Msc. Full-time Contract Professor, University of
Guayaquil – Researcher, isaacmunosm @ug.edu.ec, https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5220-1343