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Neuroscientific Insights into the Built Environment: A Systematic Review of Empirical Research on Indoor Environmental Quality, Physiological Dynamics, and Psychological Well-Being in Real-Life Contexts

Author

Listed:
  • Aitana Grasso-Cladera

    (Institute of Cognitive Science, Osnabrück University, 49074 Osnabrück, Germany
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Maritza Arenas-Perez

    (Programa de Doctorado en Psicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago 8370109, Chile
    Centro de Estudios en Neurociencia Humana y Neuropsicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago 8370109, Chile
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Paulina Wegertseder-Martinez

    (Departamento de Diseño y Teoría de la Arquitectura, Facultad de Arquitectura, Construcción y Diseño, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Concepción 4051381, Chile)

  • Erich Vilina

    (Programa de Doctorado en Neurociencias, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile)

  • Josefina Mattoli-Sanchez

    (Centro de Estudios en Neurociencia Humana y Neuropsicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago 8370109, Chile
    Programa de Pregrado en Psicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago 8370109, Chile)

  • Francisco J. Parada

    (Centro de Estudios en Neurociencia Humana y Neuropsicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago 8370109, Chile)

Abstract

The research aims to systematize the current scientific evidence on methodologies used to investigate the impact of the indoor built environment on well-being, focusing on indoor environmental quality (IEQ) variables such as thermal comfort, air quality, noise, and lighting. This systematic review adheres to the Joanna Briggs Institute framework and PRISMA guidelines to assess empirical studies that incorporate physiological measurements like heart rate, skin temperature, and brain activity, which are captured through various techniques in real-life contexts. The principal results reveal a significant interest in the relationship between the built environment and physiological as well as psychological states. For instance, thermal comfort was found to be the most commonly studied IEQ variable, affecting heart activity and skin temperature. The research also identifies the need for a shift towards using advanced technologies like Mobile Brain/Body Imaging (MoBI) for capturing real-time physiological data in natural settings. Major conclusions include the need for a multi-level, evidence-based approach that considers the dynamic interaction between the brain, body, and environment. This study advocates for the incorporation of multiple physiological signals to gain a comprehensive understanding of well-being in relation to the built environment. It also highlights gaps in current research, such as the absence of noise as a studied variable of IEQ and the need for standardized well-being assessment tools. By synthesizing these insights, the research aims to pave the way for future studies that can inform better design and policy decisions for indoor environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Aitana Grasso-Cladera & Maritza Arenas-Perez & Paulina Wegertseder-Martinez & Erich Vilina & Josefina Mattoli-Sanchez & Francisco J. Parada, 2025. "Neuroscientific Insights into the Built Environment: A Systematic Review of Empirical Research on Indoor Environmental Quality, Physiological Dynamics, and Psychological Well-Being in Real-Life Contex," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(6), pages 1-28, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:6:p:824-:d:1663074
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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