Cleo Valentine: Architectural Neuroimmunology: Assessing the Impact of Architectural Form on Human Neuroinflammation

Supervisor: Prof Koen Steemers

Research Overview:

It is estimated that residents in developed economies spend up to 95.6% of their time in or around the built environment. This trend towards increased architectural exposure has attracted considerable research, particularly concerning its effects on health. However, there is still relatively little known about the impact of architectural form on the brain. The field of neuroarchitecture has emerged in an attempt to bridge this gap. From this scholarship, researchers have found evidence that exposure to specific variations in architectural form may mediate physiological stress responses.

However, the significance of these findings may be greater than previously understood. Evidence from the field of neuroimmunology strongly suggests a causal relationship between physiological stress and neuroinflammation. Neuroinflammation, in turn, has been implicated in the development of multiple neurological disorders, including depression, dementia and schizophrenia.

What has yet to be directly considered, however, is the relationship between architectural design and neuroinflammation. In response, this research investigates the impact of visual exposure to selected architectural forms on neuroinflammatory responses. In doing so, this research aims to establish the field of architectural neuroimmunology and to support the creation of a healthier built environment. This research is jointly funded by Cambridge Trust and Wolfson College.

Biography:

Cleo Valentine is a systems designer and neuroarchitectural researcher. Prior to attending Cambridge (MPhil), Cleo studied at the University of Oxford (MSc), McGill University (BA) and the University of Copenhagen. She has worked as a systems designer at Open Systems Lab, a Fellow at The Centre for Conscious Design, and a guest tutor at the Royal College of Art and Architecture Association. She is currently an associate at Cambridge Architectural Research Ltd., where she provides consultancy services on public health and architecture.

Links:

Research website: 

https://cleovalentine.io/

Papers: