How Beautiful Spaces Shape Our Minds with Dr. Anjan Chatterjee
Dr. Anjan Chatterjee is a neurologist and cognitive neuroscientist who has dedicated over three decades to exploring the connection between the human brain and the world around us.
A professor of neurology, psychology, and architecture at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Chatterjee is also the founding director of the Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics, where he leads groundbreaking research into how beauty, aesthetics, and the built environment influence our brain and behavior.
With a remarkable career that spans scientific discovery, educational leadership, and architectural innovation, Dr. Chatterjee is a true pioneer in understanding how the spaces we inhabit shape our experiences.
His research reveals that our brains are not merely passive observers of beauty, but active participants in how we perceive and interact with the world. Dr. Chatterjee’s work on embodied cognition and neuroarchitecture highlights the power of the environments we create - not just for functionality, but for their ability to foster well-being, connection, and joy.
In his book The Aesthetic Brain: How We Evolve to Desire Beauty and Enjoy Art, Dr. Chatterjee shares his insights into how our brain’s neural responses to beauty have evolved and how these responses continue to affect our daily lives. He has shown that the same areas of the brain that respond to basic pleasures like eating and sex are also activated when we experience the beauty of architecture, art, and design, opening up new pathways for understanding how our environments influence our mental and emotional health.
Dr. Chatterjee’s work is not just academic - it has real-world implications. He is currently collaborating with architects to design spaces that are not only functional but that also promote psychological well-being.
His innovative research into biophilia and neuroarchitecture explores how elements like light, nature, and sensory complexity can be harnessed to create environments that help individuals thrive; whether in a home, workplace, or healthcare setting.
Through his work, Dr. Chatterjee has inspired countless individuals across disciplines to rethink how we design the spaces we occupy. He encourages us to create environments that foster a sense of connection, beauty, and belonging, because when we feel safe, comfortable, and inspired by the spaces around us, we are more open to connecting with others and living fuller, richer lives.
Key Takeaways
1. Our Environment Shapes Our Brain – The spaces we inhabit directly influence our emotions, behavior, and well-being.
2. Beauty is a Biological Necessity – Our brains are wired to seek beauty because it’s linked to survival and pleasure. Surround yourself with beauty (whether in art, architecture, or nature) and let it fuel your sense of joy and fulfillment.
3. Design for Connection – Spaces that foster connection and a sense of belonging can transform our relationships and our sense of self. Create or seek out environments that invite open, authentic interactions and help you feel grounded.
4. Embrace the Power of Curves – Nature’s curves offer a sense of harmony and peace. Incorporate natural elements like rounded shapes and organic forms into your space to enhance comfort and reduce stress.
5. Hominess is a Sense of Belonging – The most powerful spaces are those where we feel like we belong. Whether at home, work, or in a community, seek out or design places that make you feel seen, valued, and accepted.
6. Small Changes Matter – Even the smallest details in your environment - like adding plants or changing the color of a wall - can make a big difference in how you feel and interact with others.
7. Keep Learning from Your Spaces – Just as we gather feedback in our personal and professional lives, the spaces we design or occupy also need ongoing reflection. Take the time to observe how spaces affect you and others, and use this insight to continuously improve your surroundings.
Quotes
1. "Our brains are not passive observers of beauty; they are active participants in how we perceive and connect with the world. Surround yourself with beauty - it shapes who you are."
2. "Design spaces that invite connection and make people feel at home. When we feel safe and welcomed, we open up and create meaningful relationships."
3. "The environments we inhabit influence our well-being more than we realize. Take a moment to assess your space. What changes can you make to improve your emotional health today?"
4. "Hominess is not about perfection, but about belonging. Create spaces where you, and others feel like you belong, and watch how it transforms your sense of connection."
Connect with Dr. Anjaan
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjan-chatterjee-4131734
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anjan58/
X - https://twitter.com/Anjan435
Website - https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=nTyY6W0AAAAJ&hl=en