Public Space as a Living Lab: Scientific Protocols for Human Dynamics
Friday, October 9–Sunday, October 11, 8:30 am–5:30 pm
303 Bond Street, Brooklyn
Organized by the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture (ANFA) and X-Topia, this three-day immersive workshop introduces architects, urban designers, planners, researchers and public-sector professionals to scientific protocols for measuring human experience in public space. Gain practical tools to design healthier, more livable, and human-centered public spaces while exploring innovative approaches at the intersection of design, science, and technology.
This workshop is co-led by Julia del Rio, Advisory Council member, ANFA; and Marcella Del Signore, Principal, X-Topia, with an international team of leading experts in urban design, environmental psychology, neuroscience, architecture, and public-space research. Together they’ll guide participants through lectures, fieldwork, experiments, and collaborative design activities across the three-day program.
Participants will work across three parallel tracks:
- Cognition & Navigation: How do people orient themselves, remember landmarks, make decisions, and move through urban environments?
- Mood, Stress & Restoration: How do public spaces affect emotional state, perceived restoration, stress, comfort, and attention?
- Behavior & Social Interaction: How do spatial conditions influence dwelling, encounter, movement, seating, and collective use of public space?
Public Space as a Living Lab is open to students, professionals, researchers, and civic practitioners interested in the relationship between people and the built environment. No prior experience with neuroscience or data collection is required.
Learn more, view the full agenda, and register on Eventbrite. For additional information, contact the organizing team at info@x-topia.org.
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