The effect of an urban element (bridge) on function of citizens’ brain

The development and progress of cities and the expansion of urban buildings and elements can affect the citizenschr('39') perceptual. Due to their giant appearance, urban bridges have different effects on users who use these bridges every day and see them. This paper aimed to propose a method with the cognitive science approach that can identify the effect of bridgeschr('39') appearance on citizens and specify the most appropriate bridge due to different effects on users’ mind and perceptions.

In this study, the effect of different bridge images has been examined on the brain waves of 12 student by recording brain signals using an EEG device in vitro, and the data recorded have been evaluated by the brainwaves analysis software (brainstorm) and Excel software.

Findings revealed that the physical properties of the bridges have affected the brain waves of the users, and by viewing the images of the bridges different signals have been recorded based on the subjective perceptions that users had of the different images. Also, examining significant statistical differences between the recorded data of the userschr('39') brain waves specified the images with a significant difference (P<0.05) than other images. Accordingly, the bridge images with tensile structural systems have had more impact on the userschr('39') brain waves than other images, and the bridge with a cable-stayed structural system with a single pylon on one side has had the most impact.

The different urban elements and buildings (Including bridges) can affect user’s brain waves and their perception of urban spaces. Therefore, accurate scientific methods should be used to find the desired effects on the citizens’ minds and the factors causing these effects to impact the design of different urban spaces. Using neuroscience approaches can be very helpful for this.