International Centre for NeuroArchitecture and NeuroDesign
A joint initiative of the Research Institute of Sweden (RISE) and University College London (UCL)
Our Vision
Combining science and technology to design spaces that foster healthier, inclusive environments for everyone.
Our Mission
In an era of complex global challenges, University College London and Research Institute of Sweden have come together at the forefront of integrating architecture and design with neuroscience and novel technology to reimagine the spaces we inhabit. Through scientific rigour and innovative partnerships, we develop the emerging fields of neuroarchitecture and neurodesign via foundational research, industry-engaged innovation, and education.
As the world’s first international Centre for NeuroArchitecture and NeuroDesign, our vision is to radically redefine our relationship with the built environment. We envision transforming spaces that accelerate positive change, fostering connections between individuals, societies, and the environment.
Research Areas
Healthcare Facilities - Biophilic Design - Scenario Analysis - Design Tools - Building Information Modeling (BIM) - Virtual Reality/eXtended Reality (VR/XR) - Sustainability Reporting - Crisis Management - Optimised Properties - Healing Environments - Precision Health - Architecture - Urban Planning - Mobility - Learning Environments - Green Infrastructure - Enriched Environments
About the Centre
The International NA/ND Centre is a unique collaboration between University College London (UCL) and the Research Institute of Sweden (RISE); it’s an example of the activity inspired by the bilateral agreement between the Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Our partnership combines RISE's strengths in applied research and innovation with UCL's world leading excellence in neuroscience and architecture. Together, we are committed to advancing interdisciplinary applied research and fostering industry partnerships to reshape our understanding of the built environment's role in society.
Directors
Isabelle Sjövall, RISE & UCL
Isabelle Sjövall is a neurodesigner, brain researcher, and author with over 20 years of industry experience. She is passionate about translating research to create practical solutions that support human, ecological, and economic sustainability.
Hugo Spiers, UCL
Hugo Spiers is a Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at UCL and has over 25 years of experience in neuroscience research, publishing over 100 articles on the neuroscience of spatial cognition.
Fiona Zisch, UCL
Fiona Zisch is Associate Professor at the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL. She has over two decades of experience in architectural design and research and over a decade in neuroarchitecture. Her research explores cognitive ecologies and embodied cognition in/of architecture.
RISE and UCL Colleagues
Nick Tyler, UCL
Nick Tyler FRENg CBE is the Chadwick Professor of Civil Engineering and the creator of the Person-Environment-Activity Research Laboratory (PEARL). PEARL offers 40,000m3 of extensively customisable laboratory space to engage and study simulated, life-sized environments. Lighting, sound, smell and physical features can all be controlled to create unique, real-scale experiences, test environments and study the brain and senses.
Marco Lucisano, RISE
Marco Lucisano is Senior Vice President, Built Environment at RISE, Master of Science in Chemical Engineering. Former Senior Vice President Bioeconomy and Health at RISE.
Johanna Gunnarsson, RISE
Johanna Gunnarsson, RISE, a Senior Project Manager, specializes in sustainable transformation, leading projects like "Green Transition Leap."
Cleo Valentine, RISE
Cleo Valentine is a systems designer and researcher examining the influence of built environments on neurophysiology. Her work integrates advanced research and innovative design practice to help create spaces that promote human health and well-being.