In an age where we are constantly bombarded with stimuli, how can the spaces we inhabit offer more than just function? How can they actually heal us, inspire us, and help us thrive?
These are the questions Saskia Wheeler lives and breathes. As a neuroscientist specialising in neuroaesthetics and wellbeing, Saskia is at the forefront of a quiet revolution — one where design is reimagined through the lens of how it interacts with our minds and bodies.
In a recent episode of our podcast In Light of It All, Saskia joined us to explore this captivating intersection between science, art, architecture, and human emotion. Below, we unpack her insights into how aesthetics influence the brain, and what it really means to design spaces for human flourishing.
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What is Neuroaesthetics?
Neuroaesthetics is the scientific study of how aesthetic experiences — from art, music and dance, to the design of the built environment — measurably affect the brain, body, and behaviour.
Though it’s a relatively young field (just over 20 years old), it builds on philosophical ideas stretching back to Aristotle and beyond. Saskia traces its academic roots to Professor Semir Zeki of UCL, who pioneered the study of how beauty is encoded in the brain.
But beauty, as Saskia reminds us, isn’t always about what’s “pretty”. It’s about impact. Even a confronting artwork can stir deep emotional or neurological shifts. That emotional impact is what makes the field so rich — and so relevant to design today.
Why Should Designers Care?
“Design is always human-centric,” Saskia says. “Because it’s humans who perceive it.”
Every space we enter — whether a hospital, hotel lobby or home — triggers responses in our brain and nervous system. Curved architecture, for example, tends to evoke feelings of safety and comfort, likely due to deep evolutionary wiring. In contrast, harsh, enclosed environments can trigger threat responses in the brain, activating areas linked to anxiety and stress.
Saskia cites research showing that low-ceilinged, windowless rooms activate the anterior cingulate cortex — a brain region associated with threat detection. It’s not just that these spaces feel uncomfortable — they are neurologically uncomfortable.
The Roots of What We Find Beautiful
From the curve of a seashell to the symmetry of a human face, our aesthetic preferences are heavily shaped by evolution. We evolved in open, natural environments — not concrete jungles. That’s why biophilic design (which integrates nature into architecture) is not just a trend, but a biological necessity.
Landscapes, wood textures, natural light, and water features all speak to something ancient within us. We’ve only been living in cities for a tiny fraction of human history. Our bodies haven’t caught up.
Texture, Touch, and the Science of Oxytocin
Touch is one of the most powerful senses for emotional regulation. According to Saskia, textures can deeply affect our wellbeing — from soft furnishings that calm us to harsh materials that jar our nervous system.
Even materials we don’t physically touch still affect us. Our brains “feel” through our eyes. Looking at smooth stone, rippling water, or natural textures can elicit emotional responses, sometimes even releasing the bonding hormone oxytocin — the same chemical that floods our systems during hugs or acts of trust.
The Aesthetic Mindset: A Tool for Living Well
Saskia also introduces the “aesthetic mindset” — a protocol developed by Susan Magsamen and her team at the Arts + Mind Lab. At its core are three principles:
- Curiosity – Engaging the world with wonder
- Play – Allowing experimentation without pressure
- Sensory Awareness – Becoming attuned to what we see, feel, hear, and smell
This mindset isn’t just for designers — it’s a way for all of us to approach daily life with more richness and sensitivity.
Designing for Flow and Creativity
How do we create spaces that support creative thinking, focus, and wellbeing?
For Saskia, it’s about balance — between order and complexity, familiarity and novelty. This is where fractals come in: naturally occurring patterns (think tree branches, leaf veins, coastlines) that our brains find incredibly pleasing. Fractal imagery has been shown to increase alpha brain waves, which are linked to relaxation and creativity.
When designing a space — be it a living room, hospital, or office — the aim is to stimulate without overwhelming. Natural light, soothing acoustics, visual texture, and thoughtful materiality all contribute to an environment where people can feel and think clearly.
The Future of Cities: Less Billboard, More Beauty
What if cities weren’t just efficient, but healing?
Saskia dreams of replacing giant advertising hoardings with immersive, fractal-inspired public art. She explains how awe-inspiring visuals — whether vast landscapes or compelling artwork — can suppress activity in the brain’s default mode network (the area associated with rumination and self-critical thinking). The result? More calm, less anxiety, and a stronger sense of perspective.
COVID and the Return to Nature
The pandemic was a turning point. Suddenly, the importance of our environments hit home. As we spent more time indoors, people began craving natural tones, textures, and daylight. Interior paint sales soared — and people wanted colour. Rich greens, earthy ochres, ocean blues. It was a collective instinct for visual nourishment.
The Human Touch (vs AI)
As design tools become more technologically advanced, Saskia raises an important point: we love imperfection. Human-made things carry stories, meaning, and warmth. AI might create perfectly efficient spaces, but they risk missing the feeling.
A hand-thrown ceramic bowl, a chiselled stone lintel, or even a rough sketch holds more than function. It holds human presence. And that presence is something we instinctively respond to.
Where to Start: Three Principles for Neuroaesthetic Design
Saskia leaves us with a simple framework to begin neuroaesthetic design:
- Hominess – Does the space feel safe and familiar?
- Fascination – Is it visually rich, layered, and engaging?
- Coherence – Is there structure and clarity?
Designing with these three in mind can radically transform how people feel in a space.
Final Thought
Design is no longer just about what we see — it’s about what we feel.
Whether you're an architect, artist, lighting designer, or simply someone curious about the spaces you inhabit, Saskia Wheeler’s work reminds us that the way we shape our environments shapes us in return. Beauty, texture, light, and sound are not luxuries. They’re essential to human thriving.
In a world that moves fast, maybe it's time we designed for what we truly need: calm, curiosity, connection.
This episode of In Light of It All is brought to you by Light Tribe by Phos — exploring the science, art, and sensory intelligence of lighting.
WATCH THE PODCAST NOW ON YOUR FAVOURITE STREAMING PLATFORM → TAP HERE TO LISTEN