Colloquia
The Mind and Space colloquium
Julio Bermudez, Dana Karwas, and Usha Satish
Measuring & Evaluating Mind in Space
The Mind & Space Colloquium IV: Measuring & Evaluating Mind in Space brings together neuroscience and architecture to explore how spatial design influences perception, cognitive engagement, and human experience. Professor Julio Bermudez of The Catholic University of America will present empirical research on the neurophysiological effects of sacred versus secular spaces, offering new perspectives on the phenomenology of architecture. Professor Usha Satish of SUNY will examine the impact of natural environments and daylight on metacognition and well-being, with studies highlighting their effects on knowledge workers and healthcare professionals. Moderated by Dana Karwas, interdisciplinary artist and Director of Yale’s Center for Collaborative Arts and Media (CCAM), whose research investigates embodied spatial perception through architecture and neuroscience, the colloquium will foster a cross-disciplinary discussion on how space can be measured, experienced, and designed to enhance cognitive and perceptual engagement.
The Mind and Space colloquium, organized by Yoko Kawai and taking place across a series of four events throughout the academic year, explores important questions including how our mind perceives space and whether our spaces can influence mental health. The events reflect on contemporary academic conversations on Mind and Space from the conceptual, such as the cultural definition of the self and space, to the scientific, which can be measured. Accordingly, invited speakers join from the fields of philosophy, religion, neuroscience, cognitive science, environmental psychology, and behavioral science.
