In this episode, presented by Mannington Commercial, ThinkLab interviews two experts in the emerging field of neuroaesthetics: Susan Magsamen, the director of Johns Hopkins’ International Arts + Mind Lab, and Suchi Reddy, architect and founder of Reddymade. They explain how neuroaesthetics can provide clues about how our bodies respond to design on a biological level. ThinkLab also speaks with David Rockwell, founder of Rockwell Group, who discusses his multidisciplinary approach to design, creating memorable experiences blending both theater and architecture.

Accredited for: IDCEC, AIA | 0.5 CEU/0.5 LU
After listening, you will be able to:
1.    Identify what neuroaesthetics is and how it can be used in architecture and interiors.
2.    Examine projects where neuroaesthetics and biometric data were used to inform participants’ unique experiences.
3.    Evaluate how you can use data and technology in projects to measure experience and influence outcomes.
4.    Point out the six ways that architecture can draw from theater in creating experience.

Tune in as Magsamen and Reddy describe their unique exhibit, “A Space for Being,” hosted at Milan’s Salone del Mobile design fair. Their team designed three separate spaces, each evoking a different emotional experience by using contrasting visuals, sounds, and smells. Visitors wore a custom wristband that recorded their biometric data to see where they felt most at ease — with surprising results. Magsamen and Reddy discuss how these sorts of insights can influence design thinking and how to use new technology to innovate.
Then, Rockwell shares his own perspective on what matters most when creating an engaging experience, whether in designing interiors or theater set design. His focus is on how stories are told and places are formed, and for great design in both fields, he recommends asking how you want the audience to feel. He also looks to the future and discusses his expectations for new forms of public spaces that will appear after the pandemic.

Quiz: Want CEU credit for listening? Click here to take the quiz, and earn your certificate of completion.
How it works:  
Step 1: Listen to the episode.
Step 2: Sign in at this link to take a short, 5-question quiz.
* Scoring an 80% or above on the quiz will earn you 0.5 CEU/0.5 LU.
Step 3: Upon passing the quiz, receive your certificate of completion via email from CEU sponsor Mannington Commercial.
Step 4: Self-report to IDCEC and AIA.

Connect with our expert guests on LinkedIn:
Susan Magsamen
Suchi Reddy
David Rockwell
Special thanks to our CEU episode sponsor, Mannington Commercial, for partnering with us to provide valuable insights on compelling topics for the design industry.