Abstract
Advances in neuroscience and neuroimaging have created new pathways to interpret how urban environments shape spatial cognition, psychological well-being, mobility, behaviour, and related outcomes across different age groups. This review examines the use of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) in urban settings and assesses its contribution to an age-inclusive, longevity-focused environment. It synthesises interdisciplinary research into a concise framework that integrates fMRI-based pattern recognition with stimuli mapping to generate design insights. Within this context, fMRI is positioned as a complementary methodological approach to be used alongside ethnographic, participatory, and experiential methods in generating neuro-informed design knowledge. The review highlights design-relevant patterns and identifies key gaps in evidence, particularly concerning the inclusion of older adults. Furthermore, this paper provides insight into practical implications for human-centric design, while also acknowledging emerging challenges in fostering well-being and deeper spatial understanding across diverse populations, and drawing attention to interpretive constraints.
Keywords
fMRI; interdisciplinary; spatial cognition; urban environment
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2026.590
Citation
Sharma, S., and Cheng, T. (2026) Neurodesign in urban environments: fMRI insights for designing cognitively supportive cities, in Simeone, L., Gray, C. M., Verhoeven, A., de Götzen, A., Bakırlıoğlu, Y., Zohar, H., Stead, M., and Buwert, P. (eds.), DRS2026: Edinburgh, 8–12 June, Edinburgh, United Kingdom. https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2026.590
Creative Commons License
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Included in
Neurodesign in urban environments: fMRI insights for designing cognitively supportive cities
Advances in neuroscience and neuroimaging have created new pathways to interpret how urban environments shape spatial cognition, psychological well-being, mobility, behaviour, and related outcomes across different age groups. This review examines the use of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) in urban settings and assesses its contribution to an age-inclusive, longevity-focused environment. It synthesises interdisciplinary research into a concise framework that integrates fMRI-based pattern recognition with stimuli mapping to generate design insights. Within this context, fMRI is positioned as a complementary methodological approach to be used alongside ethnographic, participatory, and experiential methods in generating neuro-informed design knowledge. The review highlights design-relevant patterns and identifies key gaps in evidence, particularly concerning the inclusion of older adults. Furthermore, this paper provides insight into practical implications for human-centric design, while also acknowledging emerging challenges in fostering well-being and deeper spatial understanding across diverse populations, and drawing attention to interpretive constraints.