Jan 29 2025 60 mins
Neuroaesthetics is on the table today.
In our inaugural episode on Neuroaesthetics and Design, we are joined by neuroscientist and author Dr. Anjan Chatterjee. Dr. Chatterjee earned his B.A. in Philosophy from Haverford College and his M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a professor of neurology at the University of Pennsylvania and the founding director of the Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics. As the author of The Aesthetic Brain: How We Evolved to Desire Beauty and Art and numerous scientific publications, his research explores the cognitive mechanisms behind aesthetic experiences and the impact of design on well-being, creativity, and decision-making.
In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Dr. Chatterjee sits down with Ashley to provide a scientific framework for understanding neuroaesthetics in the context of design. He breaks down the fundamental question: What makes something beautiful? and examines whether we perceive architectural beauty the same way we appreciate other forms of beauty. He also unpacks the five-factor model and concepts like coherence, leading to a fascinating discussion on how space shapes our brains.
You can learn more about Dr.Chatterjee and his research on the Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics’ website.
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Read The Aesthetic Brain: How We Evolved to Desire Beauty and Enjoy Art by Anjan Chatterjee
Read the study Neuroaesthetics: A Coming of Age Story by Anjan Chatterjee
Explore the research of Daniel Berlyne and Edmund Burke
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