About this Research Topic

Background

When, in 1998, Andy Clark and David Chalmers proposed the “extended mind” concept, which posits that cognitive processes and mental states can extend beyond the boundaries of an individual's brain and body, some scholars started thinking about how the disciplines of design could interpret this concept to create environments that not only accommodate but also enhance the cognitive processes of their occupants, fostering a harmonious and effective relationship between individuals and their surroundings.
But the relation between Architecture and the discipline of the mind is not new: as early as the 1930s the Austrian-American modernist architect Richard Neutra developed an interest in Physiological Psychology and asserted that through the design of his houses he could potentially alleviate his clients' neuroses. In his works and in his book, “Survival Through Design”, he developed his idea of what would become environmental psychology, a discipline that is concerned with understanding how humans interact with their physical surroundings and investigates the human perception, behavior, and well-being in relation to the physical environment. In recent decades, scholars like Juhani Pallasmaa have been advancing research at the intersection of neuroscience, embodiment, and the future of architectural design, emphasizing the experience of the multisensory qualities of materials and space.

This Research Topic is addressed to architecture, neuroscience, psychology, urban planning, cognitive science, and design studies, and to all the disciplines interested in the extended mind paradigm in application to the built environment, with the aim of investigate the implications and the potential for improving the mental well-being and the cognitive processes of users, through an innovative design approach.
Since architecture and the built environment impact and influence individuals in several ways, it can be considered as an active part of our cognitive process and extended mind. It appears quite natural therefore that architects and designers are worried about how buildings and open space shape our interactions with the world. Urban economy as well deals with socioeconomic interactions in a spatial context. A better understanding about how the built environment affects our behavior, thoughts, emotions, and well-being can help design buildings that support both mind and body.

We welcome original research papers, case studies, theoretical explorations, and innovative design approaches that explore the interplay between the extended mind theory and the design of human environments. Topics of interest include but are not limited to:
• Conceptual frameworks linking the extended mind theory and environmental design;
• The influence of external artifacts and of the biotic component of the urban system on cognition and perception in architectural and urban contexts;
• Ethical considerations related to cognitive augmentation through the built environment;
• Innovative design strategies that embrace the extended mind concept;
• User-centered approaches to designing spaces that facilitate cognitive extensions;
• Technological advancements and their impact on cognitive interactions within designed environments;
• The role of culture, context, and individual differences in shaping cognitive extensions;
• The relation among cognitive representation of the urban space and socio-economic interactions.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Extended mind, Architecture, Neuroscience, Cognitive science, User-centered approaches

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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