An award-winning architect from Edmonton, Canada, Alyssa Anselmo, has started a global conversation with a single Instagram video. The post, which has now been liked over 189,000 times, explores neuroarchitecture and questions how our daily environments affect our mental health. Her simple comparison of different spaces has prompted thousands to reconsider the emotional impact of design in their homes, offices, and public buildings.
What is Neuroarchitecture and Why is it Trending?
Neuroarchitecture is a field that studies how our brains and bodies respond to the spaces we inhabit. It goes beyond simple looks, focusing instead on how design influences our emotions, stress levels, and even our productivity.
In her viral video, Anselmo presented viewers with a series of contrasting images. She showed a dull, gray office cubicle next to a bright, open-plan workspace filled with plants and natural light. Her question was simple: “Would you feel more inspired in this space or in that one?” The point was to show that our surroundings have a subconscious effect on us.
Anselmo explained that many spaces, from hospitals to offices, are designed with only efficiency and cost in mind. This approach often ignores the human need for spaces that are calming, inspiring, and restorative, potentially harming our long-term mental wellbeing.
The Science of Nature and Light in Design
A central theme in Anselmo’s work is the powerful impact of nature. She highlights Singapore’s Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, which is famous for its lush greenery, as a prime example of how to create a healing environment. By integrating plants and natural views, the hospital feels less clinical and more like a peaceful sanctuary.
This idea is backed by science. Dr. Emma Seppälä, a psychologist with affiliations at Stanford University and Yale, has conducted research showing the benefits of nature. Her work confirms that even brief exposure to natural elements can reduce stress and improve cognitive function. Dr. Seppälä notes that things like sunlight and greenery have measurable positive effects on our brain chemistry.
Light is another critical factor. Natural light helps regulate our body’s internal clock, known as circadian rhythms, which control our sleep-wake cycles. Anselmo argues that simple changes like larger windows can significantly boost both mood and productivity.
Good Design is not Just for the Wealthy
One of the biggest misconceptions about thoughtful design is that it requires a large budget. Anselmo is quick to correct this, emphasizing that intention is more important than expense. She shares that some of her most successful projects were created for clients with limited funds.
“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 stated. Her focus is on using materials and layouts that promote wellbeing.
Her recent work includes holistic childcare centers designed to be nurturing and stimulating. Even in her own apartment, she applies the same principles, proving that anyone can create a space that supports their mental health without breaking the bank.
The Public Responds to the Call for Better Spaces
The massive engagement on Anselmo’s video shows that this topic resonates deeply with people from all walks of life. The comments section filled with personal stories about how different environments made them feel.
Many viewers shared examples from their own lives, highlighting a widespread desire for more human-centered design.
- One commenter described a gardening therapy program in a hospital that greatly improved the wellbeing of elderly residents.
- Another person noted how doctor’s offices in Korea are often designed to feel like relaxing spas, a sharp contrast to the cold, sterile clinics common elsewhere.
- Many others reflected on how small changes in their own homes, like adding plants or painting a wall a warm color, had a noticeable positive impact on their mood.
These responses confirm the core message of neuroarchitecture: people are profoundly affected by their surroundings, and they are ready for a change. The conversation Anselmo started is not just a passing trend; it is a movement toward creating spaces that help us thrive.
