HSCI-332: GRID: Cog Sci+Spatial Design

Should the design of spaces modify our social behavior? Can lighting and ceiling height really impact our mood? We entertain these and other questions in Intersections - a course that introduces you to the concept and practice of using cognitive science to cultivate a spatial design mindset. The overarching goal of the course is to introduce students to the design possibilities and benefits of acting on a unified theory of architectural / spatial design that recognizes the value of added cognitive science research. Throughout the term, we take a cross-sector perspective and focus on the spatial research and theories developed by contemporary architects and neuroscientists. We will fine tune our questions by looking at remarkable, spatial projects made possible through partnerships of architects, spatial designers and cognitive neuroscientists. These projects show us how a collaboration between designer and scientist can disrupt current spatial psychology and invigorate user research for spatial design and spatial justice. Students will have a chance to conduct and present independent and collaborative user research into a topic of spatial psychology and spatial justice that is informed by cognitive science. By the end of the term, members of the course will have solved a mystery and be able to show evidence of how spatial design impacts how we live, work, play and heal.