2023
Neuro
A JOURNEY THROUGH YOUR BRAIN WAVES
INMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
About
Neuro presents an immersive experience made up of five rooms, each designed to stimulate a specific brain wave in the user. By translating different brain wave states into spatial, sensory rooms, the project invites users to move through a sequence of mental states, from high cognitive activity to deep relaxation.
APPROACH
I designed Neuro as my undergraduate thesis in collaboration with Mathias Peloso. It stems from a shared interest in neuroscience, sparked by authors like Joe Dispenza, who explore the relationship between brain activity, perception, and behavior.
Neuro translates brain waves—often understood only in abstract terms—into immersive environments, creating an experience that is both educational and sensory, and invites a deeper understanding of the mind.
Context
UNDERSTANDING THE BRAIN WAVES
Brain waves are patterns of electrical activity generated in the brain. They are associated with different mental states and vary depending on the context in which we find ourselves. These are measured using an electroencephalogram (EEG). There are 5 brain waves: Gamma, Beta, Alpha, Theta and Delta.
Image taken from the book "Becoming Supernatural" by Joe Dispenza. This was the trigger for the idea of beginning to work on this topic.
An electroencephalogram consists of placing around 20 electrodes on the scalp. Each electrode sends a signal to a machine called an electroencephalograph, which displays the rhythmic fluctuation of the brain's electrical activity (brain waves) visually as a wavy line.
In 1924 a man named Hans Berger discovered patterns of electrical activity in the brain.
They differ in frequency and amplitude, varying depending on the context we are in.
Gamma
Beta
Alfa
Theta
Delta
High-frequency waves associated with concentration, attention, and problem-solving.
Linked to active thinking, alertness, and engagement with the external world.
A relaxed but awake state, often associated with creativity and balance.
Connected to deep reflection, imagination, and the transition between wakefulness and sleep.
The slowest waves, present in deep sleep and full physical and mental relaxation.
Final Configuration
A MODULAR SYSTEM INSPIRED BY NEURAL CONNECTIONS
Modularity guided the development of the final layout. Five rooms are connected through transitional bridges that echo the waveform of each brain state, forming a spatial system inspired by neural connections.
Experience
THE FIVE ROOMS
different brain wave state. The path moves from high-frequency cognitive activity (Gamma) to deep states of rest (Delta), guiding the user through a gradual shift in awareness.
Gamma
A PATH TOWARD CONCENTRATION
Associated with high-level cognitive processes such as focus and problem-solving, the Gamma room is designed as a labyrinth of red acrylic walls. The fragmented spatial layout requires active navigation, reinforcing attention and mental engagement.
Beta
A STATE OF ACTIVITY
Linked to alertness and continuous mental activity, the Beta room reflects the rhythm of everyday life. A more structured and repetitive spatial arrangement, combined with warm tones and layered stimuli, creates a sense of movement, urgency, and external engagement.
Form Exploration
DEFINING THE SPATIAL LANGUAGE
Early sketches explored different spatial configurations to define the overall morphology of the experience. Starting from more rigid and modular layouts, the process gradually shifted toward organic and interconnected forms inspired by neural structures. This exploration was key in shaping a layout that better reflects the concept of brain activity and flow.
System
FROM DATA TO SPACE
We are aware that for the waves to be activated a great deal of realism is needed, but through colors, textures, visuals, audio, objects and divisions, Neuro seeks to bring the user as close as possible to the activation of each wave. For this, the predominant characteristics of each one were studied in detail.
The Beta brain wave is associated with the stimuli and stress that an average person carries throughout their day to day. They are present when we are awake and conscious of our surroundings. The room is made up of many objects made primarily of metallic materials, seeking to convey the complexity of the brain activity associated with the Beta wave.
The sound in the room has a lot of power and tonal variation, seeking to stimulate and make the user uncomfortable.
The room is constructed with corrugated glass, sheet metal, and multiple televisions to create a cold, overstimulating environment designed to provoke discomfort, anxiety, and sensory tension.
The Beta room is divided into four sections, reflecting the gradual decrease in frequency as the experience progresses through the different brain waves.
The Alpha room represents states of relaxation, calmness, and quiet alertness through soft materials, violet tones, and ambient lighting. A guided pathway leads users through the space while still allowing freedom to step away, pause, and rest on the relaxing spheres placed throughout the room.
To represent the Alpha wave, a sound that merges meditation with nature was designed. Meditation music was combined with the sound of water.
The room features a rubber-coated floor that guides users into a space designed for yoga and meditation. Soft spheres and integrated technological lighting create an environment that reflects the balance between relaxation and alertness associated with the Alpha wave.
Alpha room is divided in 3 sections.
The choice of green grass as the main texture for the room is not only meant to evoke a forest setting, but also because the color green represents relaxation, balance, and harmony—qualities sought for this space.
To represent the Theta sound, an atmosphere inspired by nature was designed to relax the user and immerse them in a magical world prior to sleep.
The Theta brain wave is associated with states of deep relaxation, moments prior to falling asleep, and access to the subconscious. In this design, the intention is to represent the wave through a surreal room filled with grass and elements that evoke a fantastical environment.
Theta room is divided into 2 sections.
Covered in green grass and featuring a checkerboard floor, the Theta room creates a surreal environment inspired by play, fantasy, and introspection. A projected video further immerses the user into a deeper state of relaxation and disconnection from reality.
Furniture designed for lying down reinforces the room’s focus on rest and deep relaxation, while ceiling projections create an immersive environment that encourages users to fully disconnect and unwind.
The sound experience combines natural elements, ambient melodies, and the track Weightless by Marconi Union—created in collaboration with sound therapists—to promote deep relaxation and reduce stress.
The Delta brain wave is characteristic of states of sleep and deep relaxation. This room aims to relax the user completely by providing a comfortable and tranquil environment similar to that of deep sleep. The space is immersed in blue light. At the center, there is furniture designed so the user can lie down and feel as if they are in their own bed while contemplating the hypnotic visuals projected onto the ceiling. The choice of blue is due to its association with calmness and serenity.
The Delta room has no divisions, as it represents the wave with the lowest frequency.
Screens on the walls also aim to recreate a dark sky filled with stars.
Gamma is associated with high-level cognitive processes such as attention, memory, and problem-solving. To reflect this state, the room is designed as a red acrylic labyrinth that requires active navigation, encouraging focus and mental engagement.
Transparency plays a key role: users can perceive movement around them without fully understanding it, creating a sense of challenge and heightened awareness. The space is subdivided to avoid overload while maintaining stimulation.
Sound is designed as a subtle ambient layer, combining technological tones within the 30–100 Hz range to support concentration without overwhelming the user.
Graphic pieces for public spaces
Souvenir cards with a simulated record of the user’s brain waves
Neuro exhibition catalog
Alpha
A MOMENT OF CALM
Alpha represents a relaxed but awake state, often associated with creativity and balance. This room introduces softer forms, fluid transitions, and a controlled environment that encourages pause, reflection, and a shift inward.
Identity
THE EXPERIENCE EXTENDS BEYOND THE SPACE
The identity of Neuro extends the experience beyond the physical installation. Graphic pieces, printed materials, and digital interfaces translate the same visual system into different formats, allowing users to engage with the concept before, during, and after the experience.
Theta
A SPACE FOR INTROSPECTION
Connected to deep thought and imagination, Theta marks the transition between the conscious and subconscious. The environment becomes more abstract and immersive, reducing external stimuli and inviting the user into a state of introspection and disconnection from reality.
Delta
A STATE OF DEEP REST
Delta corresponds to the slowest brain waves, present during deep sleep and full relaxation. The final room is conceived as an open, minimal space where stimuli are reduced to a minimum, allowing the user to fully disconnect and reach a state of physical and mental rest.
NFT ticket for the event
© 2026 Maika Sacerdote