Beautiful to look at, a curved marble bathtub offers the additional pleasures of a soothing soak, plus scents, sounds, sights that stimulate unconscious satisfactions. Subconsciously, our brains and bodies take in more than we are aware of, noting details that stimulate underlying reactions, literally releasing “feel good” chemicals in the brain. Taking biophilia into account, neuro-architects create spaces that realize the intersection of science and design. With graduate degrees in architecture and cognitive learning and perception, innovative neuro-architect Richard Fleming is a pioneer in the field of creating people-centric spaces designed to engage all the human senses. “Design is more than visual, it’s creating emotional responses,” he says. “Every detail is considered—not how it looks, but how it will make you feel.”
A Connecticut teenager who earned a prize for a house he designed for his parents, he has gone on to reimagine hospital, hotel and real estate spaces, work for Apple, Starbucks, Ferrari, and serve as principal architect creating happy spaces for the Walt Disney Company where he learned, “the power of intentional design to create emotional experiences.” His book, Connecting the Invisible Dots, was published in April. This past February, Fleming consulted with Monogram Creative Director Richard Anuszkiewicz collaborating on concept rooms to elevate the entire living experience at KBIS, the annual kitchen and bath show in Las Vegas.
What sparked your realization of neurodesign?
Turning off a light at home one day, it struck me that the hospital’s intensive care unit was constantly lit. It didn’t take Circadian rhythms into account. I devised a lighting system that evoked the cycle of daylight, and patients were responsive.
What principles underlie neuroarchitecture?
Your body takes in more subconsciously than consciously. We’ve always known humans are sensory driven—we respond to music, perfumes, nature, trees and streams. That was always instinctive. In recent times, with MRI, neuroscience can measure and quantify those responses. We are just at the beginning of this research on knowing sensations humans respond to and using that to create spaces and routines that measurably enhance well-being.
For example?
Brains process shapes differently. Geometric forms significantly impact our psychological state. Rounded shapes—mimicking organic patterns found in nature—tend to evoke feelings of comfort, harmony and safety. Sharp angles and straight lines can create feelings of order and efficiency but might increase alertness or tension.
You say rooms need a view outdoors. Why is that important?
Research shows that visual access to nature reduces stress hormones, lowers blood pressure, improves concentration, speeds healing. The Japanese call it “forest bathing”— you connect with nature as curative medicine. In classrooms, we’ve measured that students with windows and daylight have higher cognitive abilities.
How do you approach a space?
With a blank piece of paper, I never design what it will look like, I design what it will feel like. I tap into invisible design.
What’s the goal in reimagining a bathroom?
Transforming a functional space into a rejuvenation sanctuary, creating a space that supports both physical hygiene and mental restoration.
Why install a refrigerator in the bathroom?
It’s practical wellness in a luxury space. The proper storage of beauty products is temperature sensitive. And medicines require refrigeration. Why keep your cough syrup in the kitchen fridge?
How do clothes come into play?
You should look good in your house. If you don’t look good in yellow, don’t paint your kitchen yellow. Room color and wardrobe should harmonize because they’re part of the same visual ecosystem and affect how we perceive ourselves.
What are methods of introducing bio-sensitive elements into a bathroom?
Start with the invisible, the neglected areas, first. Adjust the temperature: Should you heat the towels? Chill a toothbrush? Textural contrast provides affordable sensory richness: Add stone elements, textiles with different weaves, bring in a natural plant. Introduce the scent of wood: a teak bench in the shower, some eucalyptus leaves. Maybe you want to hear music. Add things first, then replace—maybe change to a less noisy faucet, add an oval light fixture, hang wallpaper with a leafy pattern.
What do you see as the future of design?
Adaptive responsive environments that seamlessly blend technology and nature-inspired elements. We’re moving toward spaces that intuitively adjust to occupants’ physiological and psychological needs.