Brain researcher Isabelle Sjövall explains how design impacts our health

Why do certain environments feel like coming home, while others leave us stressed and unfocused? And how can design choices improve our quality of life? In her new book, Neuroarchitecture, brain researcher and neurodesigner Isabelle Sjövall takes a deep dive into the relationship between humans and the built environment. Grounded in neuroscience and evolutionary biology, the book moves between the past, the present, and the future, and highlights everything from what Winston Churchill and zebras can teach us about architecture and stress, to how a scent can instantly transport us through time.

We spend the majority of our lives in built environments, but how often do we reflect on how the light, colours, and shapes around us affect our brains? In Neuroarchitecture, Isabelle Sjövall explores the profound significance of place for human wellbeing and how we can design a future that promotes health, focus, and human sustainability.

– The environments around us are not neutral. They are active ingredients that quietly shape how we think, feel, behave and live, says Isabelle Sjövall.

The book bridges the gap between the complex biology of the brain and the practical alchemy of design. It shows that aesthetics, art, and beautiful views are not just "nice to have," but can evoke a physical sense of wonder that impacts our health at a cellular level. Neuroarchitecture is a timely guide and an eye-opener for industry professionals and anyone looking to optimise their homes, workplaces, schools, and cities for a healthier life.

Isabelle Sjövall is a brain researcher, neurodesigner, and one of the world’s leading specialists in her field. She has over 20 years of experience with advanced projects in architecture, design, and the real estate industry, and has optimised properties with a total sales value of USD 1.4 billion. She is also the author of the highly acclaimed books Neurodesign (2016) and Designfulness (2020).

Neuroarchitecture: From Brain Biology to Design Alchemy will be released in Spring 2027 by Langenskiöld Publishing House.