In this project, we explore the intersection of urban design, human experience, and neuroscience through the use of EEG technology. Our study aims to assess how the built environment, particularly newly pedestrianized "green axes" in the Barcelona Superblock project, impacts human cognitive and emotional states. By combining spatial metrics (such as facade design, noise levels, and the presence of greenery) with neurofeedback data, we seek to understand how these elements contribute to the emotional and cognitive experience of pedestrians.

Study Area
The study focuses on a section of the Barcelona Superblock, specifically on the newly designed green axis at Girona and Consell de Cent, where a former car street has been transformed into a pedestrian-friendly zone. The area of study includes two full city blocks that feature a contrast between the pedestrianized green axis and adjacent car-centric streets.

Research Objectives
Human-Centered Urban Analysis: Understand the influence of urban environments on pedestrians' emotional and cognitive states.
Spatial Impact Assessment: Compare pedestrian experiences between the new green axis (formerly a car street) and the surrounding streets still dominated by car traffic.
Neuroscientific Correlations: Use EEG data to map emotional and cognitive responses (such as focus, excitement, interest, and mental load) to specific spatial and environmental metrics, such as facade characteristics, noise levels, and greenery.
Facades and Urban Geometry: Analyze the unwrapped facade geometries to establish correlations between urban affordances and the EEG-derived human metrics.
Methodology
EEG Technology: We utilized the g.tec Unicorn 8-channel EEG headset to gather real-time emotional and cognitive data from participants as they walked through the study area. The metrics collected included focus/attention, excitement, interest, and mental load.

Environmental Data: The study area was mapped to measure spatial affordances such as the slopes of streets, presence of traffic, noise levels, and the presence of greenery.

Mapping Facades: The facades along the selected streets were digitally unwrapped and analyzed. These visual facades were then correlated with EEG data to study how architectural elements (height, uniformity, greenery, etc.) impacted human emotional and cognitive states.

Comparison of Green and Car Streets: The green axis pedestrian street (with low traffic, lower noise, and more greenery) was compared to adjacent streets with high traffic and noise levels. This provided a direct comparison of human experiences between different urban typologies.

Key Findings (Preliminary)
Pedestrian Street (Green Axis): The green axis, with its greenery, low traffic, and reduced noise, showed a positive correlation with increased focus/attention and excitement, while reducing mental load.
Car-Dominated Streets: In contrast, streets with high car traffic and noise levels induced higher mental load and lower focus/attention, demonstrating the negative impact of traffic-heavy environments on human cognition.
Facade Design: Variations in facade characteristics, such as height and visual complexity, affected levels of interest and excitement. Streets with visually engaging facades were correlated with higher interest.