LECTURE: John Onians

John Onians, Professor Emiritus of World Art, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK

Neuron Aided Design, the Latest Tool of the Architectural Historian: From Mezhirich to Corb

Monday February 25th

Main Lecture Hall: 10:00am

We know a lot about the mental activity of architects because they have always been more articulate as theorists than painters or sculptors, but they can only tell us about activity that is conscious. Now, thanks to the latest neuroscience, we can explore mental activity below the level of consciousness. Using the latest knowledge about the principles governing neural formation, this talk explores the way architects are unconsciously influenced by their passive exposure to the natural and social environment. Examples will be taken from the mammoth bone dwellings of the Ukraine, Greek temples, Late Gothic architecture and the work of Le Corbusier.

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http://www.aah.org.uk/projects/oral-history/interviews/interview-with-john-onians