Measuring Human Experience in Architecture

How do we know if the spaces we inhabit truly support human experience?

Over 4 immersive days in Calgary, the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture (ANFA) and DIALOG offer a rare opportunity to take part in a collaborative, real-world workshop exploring how aspects of human experience can be studied, interpreted, and applied across the built environment.

Engage with current neuroscience and environmental psychology research to better understand how people experience and respond to space – and how these insights can inform design decisions, user experience outcomes, and long-term asset value.

A new 1-Day Pass option is also available for June 1 for those interested in attending the opening day lectures and discussions. This pass provides access to presentations and conversations with workshop instructors and guest speakers. This is also offered virtually.

The full 4-day workshop also includes site tours and psychological exercises, small-group interpretation and discussion sessions, and a networking event.

Led by an interdisciplinary team of instructors, with contributions from leading researchers and guest speakers, you will:

• Engage with current research from around the world
• Experience hands-on methods for assessing human response to space
• Learn how these responses can be translated into meaningful, actionable insights
• Participate in real-world data collection exercises in occupied environments—including the Calgary Central Library, Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, and Calgary’s University District

Who Should Attend

This workshop is designed for professionals involved in shaping, evaluating, and decision-making around the built environment, including:

• Architects, urban designers, and planners seeking to integrate human-centered and evidence-informed approaches into practice.
• Developers, real estate professionals, and workplace strategists interested in understanding how design impacts user experience, wellbeing, and performance.
• Healthcare planners and operators looking to evaluate and improve patient and staff experience through spatial design.
• Public sector leaders and municipal decision-makers involved in planning, policy, and city-making.
• Environmental psychologists, behavioral scientists, and researchers working at the intersection of people and space.
• Students and early-career professionals in architecture, design, psychology, or related fields.

No prior experience with research methods is required.

For more information, please visit our website: measuringhumanexperience.com

Note: Some workshop exercises involve structured data collection that may contribute to research initiatives and potential publications. Participation in any data collection is entirely voluntary, and choosing not to contribute data does not affect participation in the workshop or any of its components.

Info: Day 1 sets the foundation—introducing key concepts, research methods, and frameworks for understanding human experience in architecture. The day begins with a workshop introduction, followed by a session led by Julia del Río exploring how the built environment shapes the human condition—and why it’s important to measure these impacts. A keynote by Robin Mazumder follows, along with a session from Nour Tawil on psychology and neuroscience methods for assessing human experience in architecture, concluding the morning with a Q&A.

In the afternoon, David Kirsh delivers a keynote, followed by an introduction to the Community Wellbeing Framework by Antonio Palacios. Susan Carter then presents on experience economy design, followed by a Q&A. The day concludes with a workshop briefing outlining the structure, learning objectives, and expected outcomes, along with group allocation and preparation for day two, focused on the Cancer Centre and University District project sites.

Info: Day 2 focuses on applying methods in real-world settings through hands-on, site-based work.

Participants will be divided into two groups rotating between Project A and Project B. In the morning, Group 1 begins with computer-based sessions before transferring to their assigned project site for walkthroughs and on-site observation, while Group 2 follows the same structure at the alternate site. In the afternoon, the groups switch locations, continuing with a combination of computer-based work, site visits, and guided observation sessions.

Note: Outputs generated during Day 2 activities may be used for research purposes in a potential study. Participation is voluntary and subject to consent, as outlined in the workshop information.

Info: Day 3 focuses on reflecting on the methods used and framing their application in practice.

The morning begins with a presentation and debrief led by Nour Tawil and Julia del Río, unpacking the Day 2 process and the methodological rationale behind the approaches used. Participants will then transfer to a project site for a site visit and analysis session (Glenbow, TBD). In the afternoon, the day concludes with a cocktail event and networking opportunity, offering time to connect with fellow participants and speakers.

Info: Day 4 focuses on integrating insights, reflecting on outcomes, and connecting learning to future application.

The day begins with presentations of Day 2 outputs, followed by an interpretive overview and group discussion. Participants will then take part in a reflection and feedback session, including a conversation on next steps. The group will transfer to project sites for a guided tour of the Calgary Public Library, concluding with a closing exercise focused on space evaluation—either at the library or applied to participants’ own projects.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher ANFA + DIALOG