[PANEL]
Hospitality and Society:
Building Healthy, Resilient Societies
Urvashi Bhatnagar, Managing General Partner @ The Good Science Fund
Ebenezer Bond, CEO @ Studio Listo
Suchi Reddy, Founding Principal @ Reddymade
Enzo Caruso, Head of Operations @ Haptic
[Moderator] Tom Lowry, Editor & Consultant
In a world where technological advancement often outpaces our understanding of its impact on human health and society, a new movement grounded in neuroaesthetics and inclusive technology is redefining what it means to build mindful and resilient communities. Experts across architecture, technology, and health are converging to develop environments that not only accommodate but actively enhance human well-being.
Space is the Place: Neuroaesthetics in Architecture
Suchi Reddy, an architect at the forefront of the neuroaesthetics movement, championed the idea that our surroundings profoundly influence our neurological and psychological health. “We’re really focusing on how spaces can make you feel, because feeling is a precursor to healing,” Reddy explained. Her approach—summed up by her mantra “form follows feeling”—shifts the focus from traditional aesthetics to creating environments that positively impact the inhabitants’ emotions and health.
Touch as Connection: Haptic Technology for Inclusivity
Enzo Caruso, head of operations at Haptic, is working on groundbreaking applications of haptic technology to assist those with sensory impairments. “Our goal is to make everyday interactions more accessible and independent for everyone, especially for people who are visually impaired,” Caruso stated. By integrating tactile feedback systems into public spaces and personal devices, his team aims to enable more people to navigate and interact with their surroundings safely and intuitively.
Bringing Ideas to Market
Ebenezer Bond, an expert in experiential marketing, discussed how high concepts like neuroaesthetics are becoming more tangible through immersive technologies that bridge digital and physical worlds. “The future of marketing lies in creating experiences that are not just engaging but also deeply transformative,” Bond stated. His work in immersive marketing seeks to leverage these technologies to create meaningful connections and promote mental well-being.
New Understandings of Community and Individual Health
Urvashi Bhatnagar, an author and healthcare strategist, outlined how current trends in health and wellness are increasingly holistic, integrating physical, mental, and environmental factors. “We are seeing a shift towards healthcare that understands the individual within a community context, making use of all available tools—from data science to environmental design—to enhance public health,” Bhatnagar explained. Her recent initiative, the Good Science Fund, supports projects at this intersection, aiming to drive innovations that offer comprehensive health solutions.
Towards a Resilient, Healthy Society
As we look towards a future where our daily environments are designed with our neurological and emotional health in mind, there is a need to create more inclusive and supportive spaces, technologies, and commercial pathways. “It’s about enhancing every interaction with the environment to promote health and happiness,” Reddy summarized.
“We’re witnessing a profound shift from a focus on population health to a dynamic emphasis on community health. This transition heralds a surge of innovation, energy, and discourse, where programs are being reimagined to empower communities with data-driven solutions, fostering environments conducive to collective well-being.”
— Urvashi Bhatnagar