New research work proposes to use the activity of the brain to improve urban planning. Scientists from the Michigan State University, together with colleagues from Lisbon University, studied how neuroimaging can help in creating urban spaces contributing to the well-being of people.
During the research, functional magnetic resonance tomography (FMR) was conducted on the brains of 77 Americans who had never visited Lisbon. Participants were shown photos of various city locations and asked to evaluate them. The density of photographs from specific areas of the city was used as an indicator of the popularity of those places.
The results revealed that activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cerebral cortex, associated with the reward system and decision-making, may predict people’s preferences for visiting certain city spaces. This suggests that this brain region processes various value judgments about the environment, including aesthetic, cognitive, social, and cultural aspects.
Current urbanism trends are increasingly considering the psychological and neurobiological needs of the population. The concept of neuroscope brings together neurobiologists, city researchers, and architects to create spaces that meet residents’ needs and preferences at a deep level.
With approximately 70% of the world’s population projected to live in cities by 2050, such approaches are becoming crucial. The rapid urbanization poses new challenges like a lack of green areas, noise pollution, and social inequality. Integrating data on brain activity can aid in developing more comfortable and healthy urban environments.
Technological innovations, such as the Internet of Things and smart systems, are already reshaping modern cities. Incorporating neurobiological data into this mix can lead to even more personalized and effective urban planning.
In recent years, interest in neurourbanism has been on the rise, with more research focusing on how the urban environment impacts people’s mental and physical health. This approach could be a pivotal tool in designing future cities that prioritize human well-being.