NEUROARCHITECTURE GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTS: FOUNDATIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ASSESSMENT TOOL
school architecture, well-being, learning, biophilia, sustainability, educational design, environmental quality, sensory design.
The dissertation explores the interrelationship between neuroscience and school architecture, emphasizing how the built environment impacts learning, well-being, and cognitive development. Based on the hypothetical-deductive method, the study analyzes educational spaces through the lens of neuroarchitecture, addressing categories such as the environmental quality of school spaces, design innovation, and neuroarchitecture. The research highlights the importance of well-designed school environments that integrate mental health, social interaction, and pedagogical efficiency. The study proposes the creation of a certification tool to assess well-being in school spaces, aligning neuroarchitecture criteria with contemporary demands. Case studies were conducted in the "Escola Classe 308 Sul" and "Escola Parque 307/308 Sul", comparing aspects of performance and architectural design. The analysis revealed partial compliance with criteria such as flexibility, lighting, and connection to nature but identified significant challenges, such as the absence of universal accessibility and sustainable solutions. The research underscores the relevance of aligning heritage preservation with architectural innovation, proposing creative solutions that respect history while meeting current demands. Design innovation and neuroarchitecture criteria were used to identify gaps and suggest improvements in school spaces, while environmental quality criteria were employed to determine whether the spaces meet minimum performance requirements for healthy, inclusive, and learning-conducive environments. The research concludes that the school environment transcends its pedagogical function, playing an essential role in students' health, creativity, and social interaction. Proposals such as the adoption of natural textures, adaptable lighting, and sensory stimuli aim to create more inclusive, healthy, and dynamic educational spaces. Finally, the study presents a certification tool based on neuroarchitecture, contributing to the planning and evaluation of school environments that meet contemporary needs and align with global sustainable development goals.