From Brain to Home: How our Built Environment Impacts Who We Are with Dr. Anjan Chatterjee, Part 1

In a world that moves at breakneck speed, where scrolling replaces savoring and distractions pull us in a thousand directions, how often do we truly see what’s in front of us?

At Âme Atendre, we believe in the power of presence—the art of being fully attuned to the spaces, objects, and moments that shape our daily experience. Our surroundings, whether carefully curated or unconsciously assembled, hold an energy that affects us in ways we may not always recognize. And as our latest On the Table with Ashley guest, Professor Anjan Chatterjee, reminds us, paying attention to aesthetics isn’t just about beauty—it’s about well-being.

What is Neuroaesthetics?

Neuroaesthetics is the study of how our brains respond to art, design, and the built environment. It’s the science of why certain spaces soothe us, why some colors make us feel energized, and why art has the power to move us—even when we don’t fully understand it.

But here’s the catch: to feel the benefits of aesthetics, we have to slow down enough to notice them.

Professor Chatterjee points to a striking statistic: in museums, visitors spend an average of 27 seconds in front of an artwork, much of which is spent reading the label rather than truly engaging with the piece. This rapid-fire consumption isn’t limited to museums—it’s how we interact with much of the world around us.

We glance, we skim, we move on.

What would happen if we practiced slow looking instead?

Aesthetic Awareness is a Muscle—Train It

Some people are naturally attuned to their surroundings, while others move through the world without much thought about the spaces they inhabit. But the good news? Awareness can be cultivated.

Professor Chatterjee explains that, just as a sommelier develops a refined palate for wine, anyone can train their brain to notice the aesthetic qualities of their environment. And research suggests that even a small amount of art education can significantly change how people engage with and appreciate different artistic traditions.

This has powerful implications, especially in a world where cultural fragmentation and personal disconnection are on the rise. Art—whether it’s a centuries-old painting, a TikTok video, or a handwoven textile—can serve as a bridge, helping us see beyond our own perspectives and biases. But only if we take the time to truly engage.

Bringing Neuroaesthetics into Everyday Life

So, how can we integrate neuroaesthetics into our daily lives? It doesn’t require an art degree or a perfectly designed home. It starts with attention.

• Practice slow looking. The next time you see a piece of art, an interesting texture, or a beautiful landscape, pause. Give yourself a full minute to take it in.
• Engage your senses. Notice the weight of your coffee mug, the smell of your book’s pages, the way sunlight shifts throughout the day.
• Reimagine your space. Ask yourself: Does my environment make me feel the way I want to feel? Small shifts—changing the arrangement of furniture, adding a plant, or removing visual clutter—can make a big difference.
• Expose yourself to new aesthetics. Listen to music from a genre you don’t usually explore. Watch a foreign film. Visit a museum with an open mind.

By weaving aesthetic awareness into our daily routines, we not only create more beautiful spaces—we create more meaningful lives.

And that’s the essence of Âme Atendre: cultivating an existence that feels deeply considered, intentional, and attuned to the world around us.

What’s one small way you can practice slow looking today?