Designing with neuroscience: Lombardini 22’s vision
A holistic approach that combines architecture and neuroscience to create spaces that prioritize long-term well-being and mitigate risks, shaping environments that adapt to future societal and environmental challenges.
In this episode of Behind, DesignWanted takes a deep dive into the innovative practices at Lombardini22, an integrated design firm known for its forward-thinking approach to architecture and engineering. We sit down with Juri Franzosi, General Manager, and Federica Sanchez, architect and researcher at the firm’s Neuroscience Lab, to understand how they’re shaping the future of design through an interdisciplinary approach.
Lombardini22, now 18 years old, was founded to respond to the needs of international investors in the Milan real estate market. Over the years, the firm has broadened its scope to include a diverse range of services, from branding and communication to cost controlling and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategies. This holistic approach is a response to the increasing complexity of the market, where clients require more than just a building—they need long-term solutions that address the evolving challenges of the real estate landscape.
One key aspect of Lombardini22’s work is its focus on mitigating risks for clients. Franzosi highlights the long-term nature of real estate investments, emphasizing the need to think not just in terms of the next three to five years but over a span of decades, or even a century. This long-term vision is essential in an era marked by rapid climate change and social transformation. According to Franzosi, understanding these risks and incorporating them into design decisions is crucial to ensuring the lasting success of a project.
But Lombardini22 goes beyond traditional risk management. In recent years, the firm has embraced neuroscience as a core component of its design process. Federica Sanchez, architect and neuroscientist at Lombardini22, explains how the firm uses neuroscience to measure the impact of space on human well-being. “Neurosciences allow us to quantify the social aspect of ESG,” she says, pointing out that while the environmental and governance aspects of ESG are easier to measure, the social impact is often more challenging. By applying neurophysiological measurements, cognitive tests, and psychological surveys, the firm can assess how individuals interact with spaces, both on an emotional and social level.
Through this innovative approach, Lombardini 22 aims to create spaces that are not only functional but also deeply empathetic to the needs of their inhabitants. The team uses virtual reality models to simulate different environments and study how people respond to them. This data-driven methodology allows the firm to predict how occupants will feel and behave within a space, and refine the design accordingly. “We design backwards,” Sanchez explains, “First, we define the emotional and psychological responses we want to elicit, and then we use architecture as a tool to achieve those goals.”
This iterative process is fundamental to Lombardini22’s design philosophy. By continuously testing and refining designs based on real-time feedback, the firm ensures that the final product meets the needs of its users in a profound and measurable way. This approach is particularly effective in addressing the challenges of modern architecture, where creating spaces that promote mental well-being and social interaction is just as important as their aesthetic or functional value.
One of the most striking aspects of Lombardini22’s work is its ability to merge cutting-edge scientific knowledge with practical architectural design. The firm is at the forefront of a new wave of architectural practice that views the built environment not just as a collection of structures, but as a dynamic, interactive space that can shape human behavior and experience. By embracing the principles of neuroscience, Lombardini22 is able to create environments that foster positive emotional responses, enhance social interactions, and ultimately improve the quality of life for those who use them.
In a world where the pace of change is accelerating, Lombardini22’s approach offers a glimpse into the future of architecture—one that is responsive, adaptive, and deeply attuned to the needs of its occupants. By integrating neuroscience into their projects, they are not only reshaping how we experience space but also setting a new standard for how architecture can contribute to a better, more sustainable future.
Through their pioneering work, Lombardini22 is proving that architecture is not just about building structures—it’s about creating environments that enrich lives, mitigate risks, and contribute to the greater good. Their integration of neuroscience into the design process is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the potential of science to transform the built environment. As the firm continues to innovate and evolve, it is clear that Lombardini22 is paving the way for a new era of architecture, where human well-being is at the center of design.