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NAAD is a Postgraduate degree Course of Iuav, University of Venice.

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3 Nov 2025 / 16 Jan 2026

Students will learn how our bodies are equipped with uniquely evolved sensory systems that receive signals from the outside world. Next, we will analyze the connection between architecture and the human sensory system. Light, topology, layout, geometry, rhythm, texture, materials, sounds, and smells: all these elements will be understood individually and through their integration via the physiology of the human sensory systems.
Additionally, students will explore the evolution and nature of emotions and memory, culminating in the rise of consciousness. Risk factors can negatively impact user experience in architecture if we do not address these needs; the course will include classes that focus on this issue during seminars centered on existing buildings and designs to measure these topics.
In this module, we will also conduct classes in the neuroscience laboratory to study measurement tools and instruments.

weeks

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Body, Sensory Systems, and Architectural Perception

On Monday, during the NAAD Seventh Edition opening day, we will host a lecture by Fausto Caruana on the connection between the body, mind, and environment in the morning. In the afternoon, Sarah Robison, Roberta Albiero, David Sim, and I will refine the framework that will guide the course’s operation. On Tuesday, we will explore somatosensory and interoceptive systems, as well as their interaction with architectural features. On Wednesday, we will focus on understanding how the sensorimotor system functions and how room characteristics influence it. On Thursday, we will analyze our spatial navigation system and how the public dimension can either protect or harm our natural capacity. Friday will be dedicated to a trip to Padua, where we will visit the neuroscience laboratories of the University to see how our scientific tools can be used to measure human responses.

LESSONS:
3rd November / 07th November 2025
HOURS:
9.30-12.30 / 14.00-18.00
MODE: in-person
FACULTY:
Fusto Caruana; Sarah Robinson; David Sim; Roberta Albiero; Francesca Ferroni; Massimiliamo Condotta; Stefano Rozzi; Davide Ruzzon; Kate Jeffery; Serge Salat; Aram Megighian.
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Emotions, Memory, Sensorial Systems, and Architecture

The week will begin with a deep dive into emotion theories with Fausto Caruana on Monday. Thanks to Martina Ardizzi, on Tuesday, we will start exploring memory and its functions. Wednesday will focus on the Visual System with Elena Borra. Laura Sangiorgi will lead a lesson on the colors, while Sofia Boarino will share her knowledge about the auditory realm on Thursday. On the final day, Davide Ruzzon will demonstrate how to organize all the topics covered over the past two weeks into a protective factors matrix. Some afternoons will be dedicated to studying architectural case studies, with contributions from Iuav professors of architectural design, to highlight the connections among sensory systems, emotions, memory, and architecture.

LESSONS:
01st / 05th December 2025
HOURS:
14.00-19.00
MODE: online
FACULTY:
Fusto Caruana; Maddalena Dalla Mura; Martina Ardizzi; Elena Sofia Moretti; Elena Borra; Marco Pogacnik; Laura Sangiorgi; Sofia Boarino; Davide Ruzzon.
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Risk factors: Stress, Sensorial Overloads, Scale, Nature, and Neurodiversity

Weekly classes will examine the concept of Risk Factor created by architectural and urban features. On Monday, with Kay Sargent of HOK, we will discuss how neurodivergent profiles require a tailored response to environmental stimuli. After two days with Colin Ellard, we will focus on two specific features in more detail: the range of stimuli from rooms explored, including overload and deprivation, and the size of public and private rooms. Thursday will be dedicated to studying the stress response to the built environment and the immune system with Cleo Valentine. Closing the week on Friday morning, Davide Ruzzon will present a matrix summarizing all risk factors we need to manage during the design process. On Friday afternoon, NAAD students will introduce an initial draft of their analysis of protective and risk factors related to their thesis topics.

LESSONS:
12th / 16th January 2026
HOURS:
9.30-12.30 / 14.00-18.00
MODE: in-person
FACULTY:
Colin Ellard; Kay Sargent; Cleo Valentine; Davide Ruzzon.
PROGRAM