Huynh, D. C., Fich, L. B., & Djebbara, Z. (2025). Weaving Memories into Place: Exploring the relation between the built environment and associative memory. In Routledge Handbook of Neuroscience and the Built Environment (pp. 1–18). Taylor & Francis.
Link to paper.
This chapter explores the concept of associative memory which is a fundamental cognitive process that enables us to associate memories across various levels of information, experience, and emotion. Associative memory is integral to our navigation of the world as it facilitates the recall of locations as well as sensory details and emotional nuances associated with those spaces. This process is driven by the capacity to forge connections among seemingly unrelated elements of our experiences. The resulting interconnected web of associations both enriches our memory but also aids in emotionally orienting ourselves in environments. Through these associations, we develop a nuanced understanding of space and place, allowing us to construct mental images that shape experiences and guide behaviors. By discussing insights from neuroscience, architecture, planning, and cognitive psychology we explore how our memories inform our interactions with the built environment. Ultimately this exploration aims to illustrate the profound impact of associative memory on our ability to remember, navigate, and emotionally connect with the world around us. Our chapter provides different types of insights relevant for architects and urban planners, facilitating new insights into the process of creating environments that resonate with human experience.
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