Neurourbanism, city’s sensory image and Aging In Place

designing responsive environments to active aging

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37916/arq.urb.vi41.802

Keywords:

City planning, Neurosciences, Healthy aging

Abstract

According to the United Nations, it is estimated that by 2050, 68% of the world's population will reside in urban areas, with 22% being 60 years of age or older. Neurourbanism is an interdisciplinary approach that combines knowledge from neuroscience, urban planning, psychology, architecture, and other fields to investigate how the built environment influences brain activity, human behavior, and health throughout life. This study is an integrative literature review of neurourbanism, Aging In Place, and sensory imagery. It aims to identify urban components that influence healthy aging based on sensory experiences of the elderly population. Of the 2,852 articles resulting from the review, 16 were selected for analysis according to the defined inclusion criteria. The results indicate a growing recognition of the relevance of sensory experiences mediated by urban atmospheres for healthy aging. One application of this research is the need to incorporate the active participation of older adults in designing walkable, welcoming, and safe cities for the urban population.

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Author Biographies

Ciro Férrer Herbster Albuquerque, Universidade Federal do Ceará

Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), Brasil

Zilsa Santiago, Universidade Federal do Ceará

Architect and Urban Planner, PhD, lecturer in the Department of Architecture, Urbanism and Design (DAUD) and the Graduate Program in Architecture, Urbanism and Design (PPGAU+D) at the Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, Ceará. Specialist in Accessibility and Universal Design. Specialization in Neurosciences. As a teacher and professional project designer, her aim is to promote the emancipation of different types of accessibility, with a view to dignity and the equitable use of spaces (public and private) for all.

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Published

2026-09-02

How to Cite

Albuquerque, C. F. H., & Santiago, Z. M. P. (2026). Neurourbanism, city’s sensory image and Aging In Place: designing responsive environments to active aging. Arq.Urb, (41), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.37916/arq.urb.vi41.802