From Brain to Home: How our Built Environment Impacts Who We Are with Dr. Anjan Chatterjee, Part 2

Feb 12, 2025

Dr. Anjan Chatterjee, a neuroscientist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, dives into how our environments shape our well-being. He discusses the neurological impact of beauty and aesthetics on mental health, creativity, and social connections. The conversation explores the psychology of color in design, implicit biases influenced by aesthetics, and the challenges in funding research in this field. Dr. Chatterjee emphasizes that aesthetics are essential for understanding self and fostering empathetic narratives within communities.

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ADVICE

Embrace Color

Don't be afraid to use color in your home.
Experiment with different colors to discover their positive impact on your mood.

INSIGHT

VR for Interior Design

Virtual reality can revolutionize interior design by allowing easy experimentation with colors and layouts.
Changing room aesthetics in VR is a simple code change, enabling rapid testing and optimization.

INSIGHT

Neuroaesthetics Funding

Funding for neuroaesthetics research is challenging, especially in the US, due to its perceived frivolity.
Philanthropy and foundations are important funding sources, requiring outreach and raising awareness.

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The fundamentals of beauty are on the table today.

In Part 2 of this two-part episode, we continue our conversation with neuroscientist, author, and pioneering voice in neuroaesthetics, Dr. Anjan Chatterjee. Dr. Chatterjee earned his B.A. in Philosophy from Haverford College and his M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a professor of neurology at the University of Pennsylvania and the founding director of the Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics. As the author of The Aesthetic Brain: How We Evolved to Desire Beauty and Art and numerous scientific publications, his research explores the cognitive mechanisms behind aesthetic experiences and the profound impact of design on well-being, creativity, and decision-making.

In this episode, Dr. Chatterjee sits down with Ashley to explore the deep influence of beauty and aesthetics on our daily lives. Together, they discuss the neurological processes sparked by aesthetics and the essential role beauty plays in mental well-being, a sense of safety, and our understanding of self. They also examine aesthetic representations in culture, particularly Hollywood’s role in shaping our perceptions of beauty. Dr.Chatterjee addresses his own work, the research he has conducted for his books, and the perceptions of neuroaesthetics as a field of study in the scientific community. What unfolds is an illuminating conversation that positions aesthetics as more than just surface-level—it is fundamental to how we experience the world, from the spaces we inhabit to the food we share.

You can learn more about Dr.Chatterjee and his research on the Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics’ website.

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Read The Aesthetic Brain: How We Evolved to Desire Beauty and Enjoy Art by Anjan Chatterjee.

Read Brain, Beauty, and Art: Essays Bringing Neuroaesthetics into Focus by Anjan Chatterjee.

Read Neuroethics in Practice by Anjan Chatterjeee.

Read Tao Te Ching by Laozi.

Read Whistling Vivaldi: How Stereotypes Affect Us and What We Can Do by Claude M. Steele.

On the Table with Ashley is presented by Âme Atendre, a luxury home goods and tableware brand with a mission to connect people to all that matters.

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