Neuroarchitecture, Vastu Shastra, and the Psychology of Space
As architects, we’re increasingly attuned to how space influences mood, behavior, and perception. Neuroarchitecture—the intersection of neuroscience and design—reminds us that architecture is not just visual; it’s physiological and emotional. In one of our projects, a 26-story building for which we designed both the architecture and the interiors, we explored how these ideas could intersect with Vastu Shastra to shape a lobby experience grounded in spatial harmony and well-being.
Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian system of architecture, informed key decisions related to orientation, circulation, and elemental balance. With two primary entrances—east and west—we carefully organized the lobby to support a fluid and uninterrupted energy flow. The reception desk was placed in the southeast, aligned with Agni (the fire element), reinforcing attentiveness and welcome. The northeast zone—traditionally associated with water and clarity—was kept open and filled with natural light.
A generously scaled water feature was placed in the east-southeast, an area linked to both the water and fire elements, to invite vitality and movement while fostering a sense of calm. This element, paired with the openness of the central zone, supports a balanced spatial experience upon entry.
At the heart of the lobby, we preserved an empty center—a concept rooted in both neuroarchitecture and Vastu Shastra. In Vastu, the central space (Brahmasthan) is left unobstructed to allow energy to circulate freely. In contemporary psychological terms, this openness gives visitors a moment of mental reset—a pause before the building unfolds in multiple directions. It offers clarity and orientation, reinforcing spatial legibility and calm.
Lighting was designed to be both functional and atmospheric. Soft, indirect lighting along walls and columns creates a sense of calm, while accent lighting highlights natural materials and key architectural features. In the northeast, filtered daylight enhances the clarity and serenity of the space. The use of warm, ambient lighting near the reception area reinforces a sense of welcome and focus.
Material selection was integral to the design’s sensory and energetic goals. Terrazzo flooring with warm undertones offers durability and subtle rhythm, while exposed concrete brings raw texture and quiet strength—echoing the scale of the structural columns we worked around and carefully integrated into the space. Wood-paneled walls add warmth and grounding, softening spatial transitions and enhancing a feeling of comfort. Throughout the lobby, planters with broad-leafed greenery were placed strategically to bring life and freshness, particularly in the north and east, which Vastu associates with air and vitality.
A sitting area on the northwest side provides a calm, contemplative corner—aligned with the element of Vayu (air) and the qualities of movement and communication. Surrounded by natural materials and plants, it serves as a transitional space that encourages pause without interrupting the lobby’s overall flow.
The overall palette—wood (earth), green (air), and blue (water)—was chosen not only for visual balance, but also to support an elemental harmony that resonates with human perception and emotional well-being.
This design wasn’t about following rigid rules. It was about interpreting spatial intelligence through both traditional and contemporary lenses—to create a lobby that feels intuitive, restorative, and deeply intentional.
