Cambridge Cognitive Architecture

Department of Architecture · Fellow & Director of Studies, Peterhouse

Michal is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Architecture at the University of Cambridge, where she directs CCA. Trained as both an architect (BArch, MSc; Technion) and a cognitive scientist (Dr. sc., ETH Zürich), her research weaves together architectural design, cognitive neuroscience, and spatial computing. At CCA, she is developing and implementing a new paradigm for cognitive science–empowered design, examining how spatial configuration shapes cognition, behaviour, and experience in the built environment. Her research is structured around three core questions: How does architecture influence spatial cognition? How can we translate behavioural insights into design methods and tools? And how does timely evidence affect design creativity, communication, and decision-making?

Spatial Cognition, Human-Building Interactions, Evidence-Based Design

Simon is trained in cognitive neuroscience and clinical neuropsychology. He completed his MSc in Psychological Sciences at UCLouvain and his PhD at the University of Stirling, where he investigated the neural correlates of human cognition in real-world environments using mobile brain and body imaging methods. His research combines portable neuroimaging and body-based sensing technologies, including mobile EEG, eye-tracking, and motion sensors, with AI-driven approaches such as spatial computing, computer vision, and human activity recognition to study behaviour and cognition in naturalistic settings.

Cognitive Neuroscience of the Everyday World, Human-Environment Interfaces, Neuropsychology

Haining is trained in architecture and urban design (University of Nottingham Ningbo China). She gained practical experience through internships at Atelier Tsing House and the East China Architectural Design and Research Institute. She completed her MPhil at the University of Cambridge (CCA), where she was awarded the Alexander Pike Prize for best dissertation. Her PhD applies computer vision analysis and psychophysiological methods in naturalistic settings to understand and classify transitional spaces in buildings with respect to their potential for emotional regulation.

Human-Environment Interactions, Embodied Movement and Spatial Experience, Spatial Data Science

Salome is trained in psychology, cognitive science, and neuroscience (BSc and MSc, University of Zurich). She worked for three years as a research assistant at the Chair of Cognitive Science at ETH Zurich, conducting experimental research on spatial behaviour and decision-making. Before joining CCA, she gained corporate experience at Zurich Insurance, working at the intersection of predictive modelling, people analytics, and corporate strategy. Her PhD investigates how spatial predictability, the degree to which spatial layout and environmental cues allow users to anticipate what comes next, shapes cognitive load in high-demand environments such as Emergency Departments. As an honorary NHS staff member, she combines psychophysiological measurement with behavioural and spatial analysis in real-world settings to examine how the structure and legibility of space influence visual behaviour and cognitive effort. Her work aims to identify the spatial drivers of predictability and inform design strategies that reduce cognitive burden and error risk.

Human-Building-Interaction, Evidence-based Design, Responsive Environments

Chenxi (Aurora) Wang is trained in architecture and landscape architecture (BDes, University of Melbourne; MLA, the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL; MPhil, University of Cambridge). She has gained professional design experience at internationally recognised practices, including Kengo Kuma and Associates and SWA Group, alongside applied research experience in high-fidelity space-analogue missions and major European programmes investigating healthcare, maritime, and other health-critical environments. Her PhD investigates the architecture of confinement, examining how spatial configuration shapes behaviour, social interaction, health, performance, and team functioning in isolated, confined, and extreme environments, including space-analogue habitats and Antarctic research stations. Using computer vision, spatial analysis, and psychophysiological sensing, she seeks to inform evidence-based design for confined and other health-critical environments.

Neuroarchitecture, Social Habitability, Human-Factors Design in Isolated, Confined and Extreme Environment