A new ANFA x DIALOG series exploring how neuroscience and architecture can help us design buildings that truly support human wellbeing and performance.
Why Human Experience Metrics Matter
Why Human Experience Metrics Matter
Breakfast Conversation on Neuroscience & Architecture
March 19, 2026
DIALOG Calgary Studio
Hybrid Event (In-person and Livestream)
This breakfast event launches the ANFA x DIALOG learning series on Designing for Human Experience. We’ll explore why human experience is becoming a critical metric in design, and how emerging tools from neuroscience and environmental psychology can help us measure it.
Meet the Speakers
David Kirsh
Cognitive Scientist, University of California San Diego / ANFA
David studies how people think, act, and make decisions in complex environments, and how that understanding can inform design.
Keynote
Julia del Río
Architect / PhD candidate / ANFA Advisory Council
Shares how evidence-based insights are being integrated into design practice. Co-leading the ANFA x DIALOG workshop series
Nour Tawil
Architect / Scientist, Center for Environmental Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Development
Connects research and methods from environmental psychology and neuroscience to real-world design. Co-leading the ANFA x DIALOG workshop series
Russell Whitehead
Senior Vice President, Development Strategy and Consulting, CBRE Canada
Brings a real estate perspective on why experience metrics matter for organizations and portfolios.
Susan Carter
Designer / Partner at DIALOG, Doctor of Design (Candidate)
Connects science to practice in the design of large-scale mixed-use developments. Co-leading the ANFA x DIALOG workshop series.
Moderator
300, 134-11 Ave SE
Calgary, AB T2G 0X5
Canada
This ANFA + DIALOG Breakfast Conversation on Neuroscience & Architecture, Why Human Experience Metrics Matter, is going to be held at DIALOG’s Calgary studio.
Design shapes our emotions, our cognition, and even our health.
Measuring the Human Experience is a collaborative initiative by ANFA and DIALOG designed to strengthen the bridge between design, science, and human experience through hands-on, research-informed workshops carried out on real-world projects.
We believe the built environment profoundly shapes how people feel, think, heal, learn, navigate, and connect—yet the translation from knowledge to decision-making still too often depends on intuition, convention, or isolated metrics rather than human outcomes that can be tested, discussed, and improved.
Agenda
07:30 – 08:00
Coffee and Breakfast, Informal Networking
08:00 – 08:30
Welcome and introduction, Why Human Experience Matters (Keynote)
08:30 – 09:00
Panel discussion and audience Q&A
09:00 – 09:30
Closing reflections, networking, and preview of June workshop
Tickets
In-Person Admission
$25.00 (CAD)
- Breakfast
Virtual Admission
$10.00 (CAD)
- Join live via videostream
If cost is a barrier to your participation, please contact the organizers – we want this conversation to be accessible.
By registering, you’ll be added to our mailing list to receive early access to registration and special pricing for the Measuring Human Experience workshop in June.
Got questions?
Feel free to reach out.
Our Partners and Advisors
Scientific Input:
