Thesis: Conrad Tse

Thesis: Conrad Tse

Neural Nostalgia: Ancient Senses in Modern Spaces

The thesis explores the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and architecture, collectively termed neuroarchitecture, to develop environments that not only fulfill functional needs but also enhance cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being. It recognizes the limitations of traditional architecture, which often prioritize visual aesthetics over deeper sensory engagements. The project seeks to integrate these overlooked sensory dimensions to create built environments that are holistic, inclusive, and health-promoting.

The core concept is the implementation of a multidisciplinary approach to architectural design that encompasses both scientific insights and intuitive strategies, focusing on human-centric environments that promote overall well-being. It weaves together the principles of salutogenic design, enriched environments, and multisensory engagement, creating spaces that facilitate cognitive and emotional growth.

Conrad Tse

Conrad Tse
Key Elements and Principles:

Salutogenic Design:

A design strategy that emphasizes health promotion and resilience.

Integrates principles of comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness to create environments that reduce stress and foster emotional stability.

Sensory Network Understanding:

Expands the notion of perception beyond the traditional five senses, including proprioception, interoception, and chronoception, crucial for creating engaging environments that resonate with users at profound levels.

Recognizes how each sense contributes to cognitive processing and emotional experiences.

Multisensory Engagement:

Designs spaces that integrate multiple sensory inputs to foster immersive and meaningful user interactions.

Supports comprehensive spatial experiences that boost emotion and cognition through proactive sensory design.

Biophilic and Ecological Integration:

Incorporates natural elements, such as light, vegetation, and materials, into design to improve psychological well-being and cognitive function.

Biophilic principles promote a connection to nature that results in reduced stress and enhanced living environments.
Conrad Tse

Conrad Tse

Conrad Tse
The thesis proposes implementing these concepts within urban settings, specifically focusing on the role of train stations as contemporary “third places.” These locations serve as societal nodes beyond the traditional uses of transit, offering social engagement and community integration in post-COVID landscapes. Train stations, positioned as ‘third places,’ can address urban migration, affordability, and isolation challenges by becoming vibrant community hubs.
Conrad Tse
The aim is to influence contemporary architectural practices by proving the profound impact of multi-sensory and human-centered design strategies. By grounding methodology in neuro-architectural principles, the thesis strives to develop adaptive, health-promoting spaces that foster resilient communities. Ultimately, the research provides a framework for future projects that seek to integrate, measure, and optimize cognitive function, emotional well-being, and overall human experience in architectural design.
Conrad Tse

Conrad Tse
Conrad Tse

Conrad Tse
Conrad Tse

Conrad Tse
Conrad Tse