Overview
Overview
Global Symposium and Course: Human Sciences and The Future of Architecture
October 2026 Japan
DATES
Option 1: October 12-16, 2026
Part 1: 5 Days in Kyoto
More Affordable - Spaces are Open for Option 1
HOSTED AT Kyoto Seika University
Option 2: October 12-20, 2026
Parts 1 + Part 2: 5 Days in Kyoto + 2.5 days on
Teshima/Naoshima - ISLAND RETREAT IS SOLD OUT
Optional Add-On: Experience the world-famous Kurama Fire Festival on October 22, for a memorable MB "After-Party"
LOCATION
Option 1: Kyoto (spaces are open)
5 Days October 12-16 Lectures/Tours/Social Events
and Immersive Experiences in Kyoto
Regional Discount for a Limited Time
Join in Person (See Red Registration Button above)
Submit your deposit of $180 now to secure your spot and send the remainder of tuition later in 2-3 months
Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Sociology, and Environmental Psychology applied to Design:
A Global Symposium
and Course in Japan
Produced by Moving Boundaries
Exploring Life-Centered Architecture and Landscape Design in Kyoto and the Art Islands: Teshima and Naoshima
Who is this program for?
Architects, interior designers, urban designers and landscape architects, environmental psychologists, sociologists, neuroscientists and cognitive scientists, psychoanalysts, philosophers, health professionals, consultants, artists, scholars, community builders, policymakers, educators and graduate students interested in interdisciplinary topics investigated at MB and practical applications in design. We will be joined by practicing professionals, educators and researchers from more than 25 countries.
What is included?
- Lectures and Masterclasses (12 faculty)
- Panel Discussions and Q&A
- Hands-On Experiences
- Networking Sessions
- Small-Group Conversations Facilitated by Faculty and Colleagues; Reflection
- Opportunity to Present to Your Peers
- Immersive Experiences in Kyoto
- Social events and special meals
- Welcome lunch celebration in Kyoto
- Expert-led Tours: Visit temples, shrines, ancient Zen gardens and modern masterpieces by Tadao Ando, Pritzker-Prize winning Japanese architect based in Osaka, and other architects
- Receive a Certificate of Completion hand-signed by the MB Chairs
- Diverse resources for preparation before the program and copies of abstracts, presentation files, notes and recordings of all lectures after the program
- Course brochure and yearbook with biographies and contacts of all colleagues
Program Summary
We have opened the 2nd phase of enrollment for the Moving Boundaries Global Symposium and Course in Japan, scheduled for October 2026. Due to popular demand, we also have another on-site course, scheduled for August 2026 in the same locations. See the Japan August 2026 tab at the top of this site. There are 2 distinct groups of faculty, 12 experts in each program. The October 2026 course will take place between October 12-16 in Kyoto, Japan and it will continue as a retreat on the two "Art Islands", Teshima and Naoshima, between October 17-20. This second part of the program on the island is currently sold out. You can email us to join the Wait List. We will live for several days in Kyoto, and after we will travel to the islands, to stay on Teshima Island, where we will be immersed in nature and sacred history and rituals. We will be joined by 12 global experts in human sciences, cognitive science, neuroscience, psychology, health disciplines, architecture, architectural history and theory, philosophy, urban and landscape design, and in design of sacred spaces and gardens. In addition to faculty experts, including local specialists from Japan, we will be joined by participants from multiple disciplines, from more than 25 countries. Topics Include: Neurophenomenology; Memory and placemaking; Mirror neurons and empathy in design; Restorative places for human health and wellbeing; Somatic design; Body-conscious design; Forest bathing and the 7 Strategies of landscape design for health; Wayfinding and navigation; Grounding in nature; Spiritual architecture and design for the 21st Century - learning from ancient wisdom; Bridging human sciences and design; Neuroaesthetics; Biophilic design and more. Lodging will be in central Kyoto and in several hotels and BnB's on Teshima Island, near the sea. Participants will book their lodging directly with the hotel (or Airbnb) according to their preferences. There will be an all-day field trip, by ferry, on Naoshima Island, where we will visit several museums designed by Tadao Ando. In addition to studying at the interface of human sciences, design and health (as is the custom at MB), we will also experience local rituals, history, cuisine, arts, craft, nature immersion, and tours throughout the 9-day course, conference and retreat. All participants will be invited to submit an abstract for the symposium and to contribute to the post-conference publication. See this web page, below, for the daily schedule, list of confirmed faculty members, lecture abstracts, and the list of tours and immersive experiences. Also follow MB in social media for updates: @movingboundaries (Instagram) Moving Boundaries Collaborative (LinkedIn)
Part 1
Neurophenomenology of Place: Design for Health and Wellbeing
Human Sciences and the Future of Architecture and Landscape Design
Click red button to register to attend Option 1 in person.
Submit your deposit to secure your spot.
Read below about discounts with regional tuition rates, for a limited time, and about regular tuition rates. Tuition can be paid in several installments, but only after the deposit is submitted.
Tuition Prices for
On-Site Attendance:
OPTION 1: Part 1 in Kyoto (5 days)
October 12-16, 2026
Professional or grad student tuition
with Regional Discount: $980
Deposit now: $180
Remainder of tuition in 2-3 months: $800
May be paid in installments
Discounted tuition is offered to participants
who reside in the following regions: Japan, Africa, Latin America, SAARC countries inc. India, Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine and to those who are currently experiencing hardship.
Regular Tuition: $1,160 total
Deposit now: $180
Remainder of tuition in 2-3 months: $980
May be paid in installments
Cannot join in person? Join us remotely.
Location: Kyoto, Japan
Part 1 of MB Global Symposium and Course (5 Days)
October 12-16, 2026
Topics: Neurophenomenology; Memory and placemaking; Mirror neurons and empathy in design; Restorative places for human health and wellbeing; Somatic design; Body-conscious design; Forest bathing and the 7 Strategies of landscape design for health; Wayfinding and navigation; Grounding in nature; Spiritual architecture and design for the 21st Century - learning from ancient wisdom; Bridging human sciences and design.
MB Japan Faculty: We are delighted and honored to host 12 top experts in architecture and human sciences. Participants are also invited to present during (selected) sessions at Kyoto Seika University. You may submit your abstract after you register for the program.
Program
October 11 (Pre-MB Day)
Early Morning Zazen Meditation - (Optional) 6:00-8:00am at Enko-ji Temple
Evening gathering - Pre-MB get together at central hotel, later in Gion District (meet the community) small group dinners
October 12 (Day 1)
Session: Rethinking the Brain–Body Connection in the Built Environment: Learning to Design for Health
The first session of Moving Boundaries will focus on evidence-based design for health. Farrow and Valentine will lecture on salutogenic design, showing projects around the world and telling us about strategies for combining
research and practice. Analysis of case studies and a conversation with the audience will follow.
The joint lecture by Farrow and Valentine will be followed by a talk by Kurimoto, about how the scenery of a Japanese garden functions as a psychological catalyst, asking the observer to see beyond the surface. This lecture will examine the Japanese view of nature and its historical manifestations in garden design. Kurimoto will demonstrate ideas from his talk during on-site visits in historic gardens of Kyoto the next day.
Kyoto Seika University Check-In at 9:00am - Northern Kyoto venue: Arrive between 9:00-9:30am to check in and receive your name badge, meet the group for coffee before lectures
Welcome Speeches at 10:00am - Seika Main Hall
Participants' Introductions - Coffee Break
Lectures 1-2 - Tye Farrow and Cleo Valentine
“From Pathogenesis to Salutogenesis: Rethinking the Brain–Body Connection
in the Built Environment”
Lunch in Main Gallery; Networking Session
followed by Panel Discussion and Q&A
Lecture 3 - Takaya Kurimoto
"The Inner Landscape of the Japanese Mind as Reflected
in Japanese Gardens"
October 13 (Day 2)
Session: Restorative Design: How Environments Shape Cognitive, Affective and Physiological Restoration
In the second session, Robinson’s lecture will illuminate Japanese spatial concepts and their possible interpretation in contemporary design practice.
Olszewska will present restorative design as a bridge between these spatial traditions and emerging research in neuroscience. Together we will explore
how environments shape cognitive, affective, and physiological restoration.
On this second day of MB in Kyoto, we invite the entire audience to join us for a complimentary Welcome Lunch, in one of the best restaurants in the city.
Morning Temple Visits: Eikan-do Temple; Ginkaku-ji Temple
Guided by Professor Takaya Kurimoto
Followed by group walk and conversation
WELCOME LUNCH (complimentary)
Kyoto City Center 1:00-3:00pm
Lecture 4 - Sarah Robinson (remote)
"Japanese Gardens and Felt Space"
Lecture 5 - Natalia Olszewska
"Restorative Design: From Cultural Intuition to Scientific Evidence"
followed by Panel Discussion and Q&A
October 14 (Day 3)
Session: Practical Strategies for Bridging Neuroarchitecture Research and Practice: Challenges of Cross-Disciplinary Work
The third session will focus on bridging neuroarchitecture research and practice: Nanda and Chatterjee will offer perspectives from decades of experience at the intersection of disciplines. They will offer strategies for design, education and
advocacy and they will engage the audience in a discussion about challenges of contemporary cross-disciplinary work. The professors will also discuss ways to think about the relationship between neuroscience and architecture and the complicated term "neuroarchitecture". Open discussion with the entire audience will follow.
Morning Temple Visits: Tofuku-ji Temple; Fushimi-nari Taisha Walk
Lunch on one's own
See outdoor Art Museum by Tadao Ando
Lecture 6 - Anjan Chatterjee
"The Neuroaesthetics of the Built Environment"
Lecture 7 - Upali Nanda
"Bridging Neuroarchitecture Research and Practice"
followed by Panel Discussion and Q&A
Evening Izakaya Experience (add-on) followed by Gion District visit
October 15 (Day 4)
Free Day - Recommended Trips: Osaka, Nara, Kobe, or explore more in Kyoto
October 16 (Day 5)
Session: Conversation about Special Nature of Japanese Space, at the Interface of Philosophy, Psychology, Cognitive Science and Architecture: Philosophy of "Nothingness"
Hosted at the Goethe Institut in Kyoto (Kamogawa Villa)
The fourth session of Moving Boundaries will be developed at the interface of psychology, philosophy, sociology, architecture, and psychiatry. There is a wisdom to be found in philosophies of ‘nothingness’ such as those developed by the Kyoto School. They invite us to approach architecture not as an exterior structure but as a field of lived relations, and space as something that shapes us as much as we shape it.
Morning Temple Visits: Tenryu-ji Temple and Garden; Myoshin-ji Temple
Ryoan-ji Temple
Lunch on one's own
Conversation 8 - David Dorenbaum and Ryōsuke Ōhashi (and guests)
at Kamogawa Villa in central Kyoto
“The Kyoto School of Philosophy, Architecture and The Space of Mind”
followed by Panel Discussion and Q&A, Open discussion with the audience
Evening: Free time and pack for trip to the Art Islands on Oct.17
Team
Join us online
Get our Livestream Pass and have Remote Access to the Lectures
We have early-bird prices to help you join the MB Japan Global Symposium and Online Course in October '26 at very affordable rates: $180, $280 or $480
depending on your residence and/or student status. These prices are available only until June 1. After this date, prices will go up.
You can get your ticket instantly by selecting one of the options below.
What’s included:
- Live access to all lectures during 6 days, from October 12-19, 2026 (except free day and the 'travel days');
- Realtime captioning and translation of zoom into multiple languages;
- Live access to Q&A and Panel Discussions
- Pre-Course Remote Meeting scheduled for early Fall 2026, for all remote participants; Facilitated by course director and selected faculty members
- Post-Symposium free access, with your own password, to recorded sessions (videos) for 6 months after the program ends;
- Digital Certificate of Participation signed by MB director and faculty, emailed to you after the Symposium
- Access to the MB Online Campus Library; Access to MB Alumni Free Resources
- Access to Webinar Series before and after the MB Japan Course
- Access to the Community Forum for the MB Japan Online Course;
- Access to a curated digital resource pack from the speakers, including lecture abstracts, proceedings, and authors' information
Who is this for?
Architects, designers, scientists, health professionals, artists, historians, psychologists, sociologists, philosophers, landscape designers, educators, students and others who cannot attend MB Japan in person, in October '26, but want to join the lectures and conversations remotely. In addition, you will have access to a variety of free resources and to video recordings of all lectures and discussions, for 6 months after the course ends. Everyone will receive a signed Certificate of Completion.
About prices: Please find four early-bird remote ticket options below
We offer early-bird prices for MB Japan remote tickets until June 1. The regular ticket price (early-bird) is $480 USD for lectures/discussions during 6 course days. In addition, we are offering special discounted ticket prices at $180 or $280 USD for fulltime students and for people living in Latin America and SAARC countries including India and others. Please browse through the ticket options below until you find the category that applies to you. If you order a discounted remote ticket for Latam residents (Latin America), for Saarc residents, or for fulltime students, the MB team will follow up with an email, asking for a student ID/email, or for a copy of your resident card or passport photo page, to confirm residence. We hope that you will find these discounted prices helpful and affordable, to allow you to learn during and after the MB Japan course. Our aim is to make MB programming accessible to all.