Architect Alyssa Anselmo has ignited a fascinating debate on how the built environment impacts our mental health and emotional wellbeing. A viral video posted on Instagram has brought attention to a growing field called neuroarchitecture, sparking discussions on how our surroundings influence everything from creativity to stress levels. With over 189,000 likes on her video, Anselmo is encouraging people to rethink their daily spaces and how design can positively affect their mental state.
Anselmo, an award-winning architect from Edmonton, Canada, never expected her simple Instagram video to strike such a chord with viewers. What began as a comparison between different types of spaces—from sterile office cubicles to ornate churches—has quickly blossomed into a widespread conversation about the impact of architecture on our emotions and productivity.
What is Neuroarchitecture?
Neuroarchitecture is a term gaining traction as more people realize that design is more than just aesthetics—it’s about how space shapes our mental and emotional states. In her viral Instagram video, Anselmo presents viewers with two contrasting environments and asks them a simple question: “Would you feel more inspired in this space or in that one?”
The video quickly moved through different environments, starting with a dreary, dimly-lit office space and contrasting it with a bright, welcoming office with large windows and greenery. The point was clear—our surroundings influence our emotional state and productivity. Anselmo explained how spaces, whether it’s a church, an office, or a hospital, can be designed to uplift, rejuvenate, and inspire, or drain and stress us.
But it wasn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about how these spaces affect us on a subconscious level. As Anselmo noted, spaces are often designed for efficiency, not emotion. Yet, this short-term focus on convenience and cost might be coming at the expense of our mental health. Could something as simple as more natural light or incorporating plants into a room have a noticeable impact on how we feel? According to Anselmo, the answer is yes.
The Power of Nature in Design
A key component of Anselmo’s work is the incorporation of natural elements into architectural designs. In her video, she compared a typical hospital setting to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in Singapore, renowned for its lush greenery and tranquil design. She pointed out how the addition of plants and nature can transform an otherwise sterile, clinical environment into a peaceful, healing space.
Psychologist Dr. Emma Seppälä, who is affiliated with Stanford University and Yale School of Management, agrees with Anselmo’s perspective. Dr. Seppälä’s research has shown that exposure to natural environments—whether it’s taking a walk in the park or simply sitting by a window—can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase cognitive function.
In her own research, Dr. Seppälä has emphasized how even brief encounters with nature have measurable effects on brain chemistry and emotional wellbeing. “Natural elements like sunlight, greenery, and birdsong have measurable effects on brain chemistry and emotional wellbeing. Even brief exposures to nature can help to restore focus and reduce anxiety,” she said.
It’s not just nature either—light plays a major role. Natural light, or at least spaces that simulate the effect of daylight, is essential for regulating our circadian rhythms, the body’s internal clock that helps control sleep and wake cycles. Anselmo’s work highlights how even something as simple as larger windows or better lighting can boost productivity and emotional health.
Design Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
The conversation around neuroarchitecture is not limited to large corporations or wealthy clients. Anselmo emphasizes that thoughtful, intentional design can be achieved on any budget. She shares how some of her most meaningful projects were completed on tight budgets, where the focus was on using materials and design features that promote well-being rather than luxury.
“Some of the best spaces I have ever designed were on a tight budget,” she said. “It’s not about spending money—it’s about creating something with intention, something that aligns with how people want to feel in a space.”
Anselmo’s recent projects have included holistic childcare centers, which she designed with the same emphasis on natural light, enriching materials, and thoughtful space planning. Her personal project, styling her own apartment, also reflects her belief that good design is not about excess but about fostering a deeper connection to one’s environment.
Viewers Are Responding to the Movement
The response to Anselmo’s video has been overwhelmingly positive. Thousands of viewers left comments reflecting on how their own spaces—whether at work, home, or in hospitals—affect their mental state. One viewer shared that gardening therapy for elderly residents in their hospital had a profound impact on their well-being. Another user mentioned how doctor’s offices in Korea felt more like a spa, a stark contrast to the cold, sterile clinics found in other countries.
These comments illustrate the core idea behind Anselmo’s message: people are deeply affected by their surroundings, whether they are aware of it or not. Even small changes, like adding plants or using warm colors, can make a big difference in how we feel and perform in a space. It’s clear that people are craving spaces that reflect their personalities, evoke positive emotions, and foster connection and creativity.
The Future of Thoughtful Design
As Anselmo continues to build her career, she remains focused on creating spaces that promote wellbeing, whether that’s a childcare center, a home, or a community project. For her, the design process is about more than just creating aesthetically pleasing environments—it’s about building spaces that encourage connection, enhance creativity, and elevate the human experience.
“I truly believe that good design is not about money, it is about thoughtfulness, self-awareness, and a sense of connection to the objects and materials in your home,” Anselmo said. As the conversation around neuroarchitecture continues to grow, it’s clear that the future of design will be one that values emotion and psychology just as much as form and function.
