The Building Brains Coalition—a first-of-its kind initiative that connects built environment professionals to those in the fields of neuroscience, psychology, climate science, and public health—has been launched, Dallas-based architecture firm HKS announced.
“Our global economy increasingly relies on brain-based skills, creativity, and emotional intelligence, emphasizing the importance of brain capital,” Upali Nanda, HKS’ global sector director for innovation, said in a statement. “By focusing on brain health, we can create environments that enhance cognitive flexibility, emotional resilience, and collective intelligence—key drivers of innovation and societal well-being.”
The coalition builds upon the growing recognition that brain health is integral to human potential and societal progress and represents a powerful collaboration among five leading organizations: The Center for BrainHealth, Center for Advanced Design Research and Evaluation (CADRE), HKS, Brain Capital Alliance, and Rice University’s Baker Institute Neuro-Policy Program.
HKS said that, together, coalition members will reimagine how to design spaces that foster resilience, well-being, and cognitive thriving.
From city plans that foster access to healthy food, movement, and the arts, to interiors that support good air quality, acoustics, daylight, and cognitive engagement—the role of the built environment is just beginning to be uncovered in this crucial conversation that has recently emerged as the top priority for WHO, AARP, and now, the World Economic Forum, HKS said. The coalition’s vision also aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, connecting brain health to quality education, decent work, sustainable cities, and climate action.
HKS called the Dallas region “a nexus” for progress related to brain health and brain capital in the built environment.
The company said that the 2024 Building Brains Summit—held in Dallas by HKS, CADRE, and the Center for BrainHealth—was an initiation point for planning the coalition’s work, and many industry leaders from the area are bringing their brain health expertise to global audiences.
In addition to the five founding partner organizations, the Building Brains Coalition acknowledged the involvement of the Academy of Neurosciences for Architecture (ANFA), Brain Health ACTION (an AARP collaborative), Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA), International Interior Design Association (IIDA), Simtigrate Lab (Georgia Tech), and Perkins&Will.
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