Built Beautiful: An Architecture & Neuroscience Love Story

Why do certain places make us feel calm, inspired or connected, while others leave us unsettled?

Join Denver Museum of Nature & Science for a special screening of Built Beautiful, the acclaimed documentary inspired by architect Don Ruggles' groundbreaking work at the intersection of architecture, neuroscience and human well-being. Narrated by Martha Stewart, the film explores a fascinating question: What makes a building beautiful, and why does beauty matter?

Drawing on insights from architects, neuroscientists and designers, Built Beautiful examines the emerging field of neuroaesthetics, which studies how our brains respond to the built environment. The film investigates how elements such as proportion, pattern, light and design may influence our emotions, health and overall sense of well-being, often in ways we don't consciously recognize.

Following the screening, guests will have the opportunity to hear from two experts featured in the film: Donald H. Ruggles, architect, author and pioneer in the field of neuro-architectology, and Meredith Banasiak, designer, researcher and advocate for evidence-based design. Together, they will explore how emerging research is changing the way we think about architecture, public spaces and the environments we inhabit every day.

From homes and neighborhoods to museums and cities, our surroundings shape our experiences in profound ways. This engaging program invites audiences to consider how beauty, science and design converge to influence the way we live, work and connect with the world around us.