eleni danesi
MULTISCAPES LAB
NEUROAFFECTIVE LANDSCAPES
A CREATIVE JOURNEY OF SOMATIC ARCHITECTURE
Neuroaffective Landscapes are spatial environments designed and perceived through the intricate interplay between sensory stimuli, emotional responses, and cognitive processes. Rooted in the interdisciplinary synthesis of architecture, neuroscience, movement practices, and embodied cognition, I explore this term to understand how specific landscapes and materialities actively shape and regulate human physiological and our psychological experiences.
Somatic Architecture is an embodied spatial practice and design philosophy that emphasizes the sensory, emotional, and neurological connections between bodies and spaces. It explores how architecture shapes and is shaped by human somatic experiences—integrating movement, perception, and affectivity—to explore environments that support holistic well-being, relational awareness, and conscious interaction with our surroundings.
PRACTICE
"our bodies and minds are not merely occupants of spaces but deeply interconnected extensions of the environments we inhabit." [E.D.]
My practice of Somatic Architecture and Neuroaffective Landscapes unfolds at the intersection of three interwoven dimensions: body as a carrier of immaterial narratives, movement as a responsive impulse, and spaces as vibrant realms of materiality. Through performing arts, performative installations, choreography workshops, design processes for participatory interactive and reflective environments, photography, movement-based video art, unpublished projects, creative diaries, and philosophical writings, I explore how these dimensions continuously shape and redefine one another.
WORK
In my work, I focus on connecting the body directly with design methodologies, employing practices of embodiment to forge deeper, more resilient bonds within communities. I'm particularly interested in how we can explore and articulate embodied identities—both individual and collective—through design, movement, and spatial experiences. This inquiry naturally extends into speculative explorations, where I envision embodied narratives across different species, imagining new ways of intersp[æ]c(i)es coexistence and communication. My goal is to encourage a deeper sensitivity to our shared environments, fostering designs that reflect empathy, interconnectedness, and an expanded sense of self within the wider ecosystem.
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TESTIMONIALS
"We were in for a wonderful journey of creativity and connection! Carefully prepared and guided, the workshop was an exploration of how inner awareness frames outward expression... a well-crafted balance between doing and being, fused together by meticulously selected music.
Thank you!"
RENA / Social Phsychologist / Linguistics / Artist
"Eleni’s work is unique in the way she explores the intimate relationship between psyche, body, and space within the architectural and design fields. Collaborating with her is an enriching experience, filled with encouragement, insightful feedback, and constant inspiration. She is a remarkably talented person, blending intelligence and sensitivity in a way that gives her work both depth and authenticity. It’s this balance that makes her creations truly stand out as genuine and impactful."
ALICIA / Multidisciplinary Artist, PhD Researcher & Educator
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