NeuroCīvitās
MISSION
NeuroCīvitās is a research lab dedicated to advancing the emerging field of NeuroArchitecture. We investigate how the built environment modulates core psychophysiological processes – including perception, cognition, affect, and behaviour – and how these, in turn, are associated with outcomes in stress regulation, recovery, and mental health.
Our approach is explicitly interdisciplinary. We work across architecture, neuroscience, psychiatry, healthcare, history, engineering, and the arts to develop a shared framework that neither reduces mental health to clinical categories nor treats design as purely aesthetic. Instead, we situate mental life within its spatial context, asking not only how environments influence mind and body, but also what aspects of human experience are most affected, and why these questions matter for health, care, and society.
Anchored at CRASSH, NeuroCīvitās leverages Cambridge’s unique strengths to bring together theory, evidence, and practice. Our first case study is Addenbrooke’s Hospital, where we pilot small-scale, real-world interventions – from wayfinding and spatial coherence to sensory environments – as a means to link design variables with measurable cognitive, affective and organizational outcomes. This work lays the foundation for a broader research agenda at the intersection of space and mental health.
FOR INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT DR. MICHAL GATH-MORAD: MG2068@CAM.AC.UK
DIRECTORS
Dr Michal Gath-Morad – Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge
Prof Koen Steemers – Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge
CO-DIRECTORS
Prof Petra Vertes – Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge
Dr Philippa Carter – History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge
Prof John Clarkson – Engineering Design / Public Health, University of Cambridge
Dr Tom Bashford – Healthcare Systems, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Dr Ian Hosking – Engineering Design Centre, Inclusive Design, University of Cambridge
HEAD OF APPLIED RESEARCH
Cleo Valentine, HKS Architects
VISITING SCHOLARS
Dr Kosuke Kondo – Institute of Technology, Shimizu Corporation
PhD STUDENTS
Cleo Valentine
Mohamed Khalil
Mihaela Mitrovic
Filo Russo
Heather Mitcheltree
Rikke Duus
Haining Ding
Salome Egli
Aurora Wang
PARTNERS
Alice Woodhouse – Arts Producer, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust
Rachel Drury – Founder and Director, Collusion
ASSOCIATED ACADEMIC MEMBERS
Prof Derek Clements-Croome – University of Reading
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