“Welcome to Your World” by Sarah Williams Goldhagen is one of the books that have been more relevant to me in the last years. She explores how the design of the built environment affects our well-being and perception of the world around us.
Goldhagen argues that the design of the built environment can have a profound effect on our mood and behaviour. She provides examples of how architecture and urban design shape our experiences and emotions, and how these experiences can impact our physical and mental health. She also discusses how the design of educational spaces can affect learning outcomes and student performance. The design of learning environments and factors such as lighting, acoustics, and classroom layout have an effect on student learning. She discusses research that suggests that students perform better in classrooms with abundant natural light, good acoustics, and flexible furniture arrangements.
Goldhagen also examines the role of technology in education and how it has influenced the design of learning spaces. She notes that technology has created new opportunities for personalized learning and collaborative work, and that educational spaces must be designed to accommodate these new modes of learning. I believe in the importance of well-designed educational spaces in promoting student success.
Another book, that talks about how the space affects learning is ‘The Aesthetic Brain’ by Anjan Chatterjee. In this case, because we teach in art school, the book is particularly interesting. It explores the neuroscience of aesthetics and how the brain processes beauty and art. It analyses the cognitive processes involved in aesthetic experiences and the neural mechanisms behind them. Chatterjee argues that aesthetic experiences are not just subjective judgments but are rooted in the basic working of the brain. He provides examples of how different brain regions are involved in processing different aspects of aesthetics, such as colour, form, and the emotional responses. The aesthetic experiences can enhance cognitive processes such as attention, memory, and problem-solving skills.
A highlight for me is the importance of understanding the diversity of aesthetic experiences and the potential for cross-cultural exchange and learning. There is a potential application of neuroscience research to education, such as in the design of learning environments. Chatterjee suggests that by understanding the neural mechanisms involved in aesthetic experiences, educators can create more engaging and effective learning environments that enhance student learning goals.
Goldhagen, S. W. Welcome to Your World: How the Built Environment Shapes Our Lives. HarperCollins.
Chatterjee, A.. The Aesthetic Brain: How We Evolved to Desire Beauty and Enjoy Art. Oxford University Press.
