Discover the benefits of neuroarchitecture in the workplace

Neuroarchitecture represents an area of ​​neuroscience studies applied to architecture. Through the technique, it is possible to analyze how the composition of the physical environment impacts human behavior.

Taking into account the benefits of the method, more and more companies have joined the resource to favor well-being, integration and comfort in the work environment, since satisfied employees significantly increase productivity.

“It is proven that the physical environment can impact our brain, which works from external stimuli. Therefore, it is important to think about more humanized corporate spaces, which contribute to the well-being of employees, with an improvement in the quality of life and bringing even more results”, explains architect Denise Moraes, creative director of AKMX Arquitetura e Engenharia.

Importance of neuroarchitecture

The mental exhaustion of workers is a worldwide concern, so much so that the World Health Organization (WHO) classified the burnout syndrome as a work-related illness. This, in turn, reinforces the need for initiatives by companies focused on the mental health of workers.

“The reclassification of the burnout syndrome requires companies to take measures to prevent their employees from being attired, ensuring preventive burnout programs”, explains lawyer Aline Cogo Carvalho, from GBA Advogados Associados.

Neuroarchitecture promotes interaction among employees

ONE (Ocean Network Express), a shipping company, is an example of someone who has invested significantly in improving their work environments. And, by promoting, as of 2019, a process of cultural change, in which it changed the formal profile for a more relaxed one, the firm even installed a beer cooler in its remodeled living area, called Ocean Lounge. AKMX designed the site, which ended up with more airy, functional and modern spaces.

Hermírio Inamura, administrative manager at ONE, points out that the pandemic served as an impetus to promote a revolution in company. “The opportunity arose to create a new office concept and change the way we work. As the company implemented hybrid working, we thought about the opportunity for employees to come into the office and have more contact with each other. That’s how the idea of ​​the Ocean Lounge came about, which can be used as needed, whether for leisure or work,” he says.

Environments trigger brain reactions

According to data released by the WHO in 2022, in Brazil, about 19 million people have some kind of anxiety disorder. In the corporate universe, emotional issues of this nature and stress directly affect worker productivity. Aware of this reality, AKMX developed the Neuro-Bio_UX concept, which unites neuroarchitecture with biophilia and user experience, designing environments capable of provoking positive brain reactions.

“Knowing the routine of an office, listening to employees, taking care of their well-being and valuing a corporation’s culture are some of the ingredients we use. We ask a series of questions to find out about the company’s culture and thus manage to quantify rooms and qualify environments. We turned it into something visually pleasing that, added to the team coexistencebrings many benefits”, says Denise.

Biophilic architecture as an ally

Biophilic architecture, in turn, makes use of elements such as vegetation, wood, bamboo or elements that refer to nature. “If applied in conjunction with more neutral colors, biophilia helps people connect with nature, providing a sense of calm and lightness.”

A study carried out by the University of Hyogo, Japan, at an electrical company, showed that the pulse frequency of employees, collected in two different periods, varied after placing plants close to them. Thus, it was concluded that, with the decrease in heart rate, the physiological and psychological stress of employees also reduced.

By Rafael Franco