NEUROCITY 2030
The visual environment of cities

neurophysiological optimization

“A neurophysiological method based on autonomic nervous system responses.”

NeuroCity 2030 is based on the neurophysiology of the autonomic nervous system and how light, colors, patterns, contrast, and spatial rhythm affect nervous system function in milliseconds.

The visual environment of a city is not an aesthetic entity — it is an external regulator of the nervous system. Every light, color, shape, and reflection activates either the sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system.

The NeuroCity method offers a scientifically based way to analyze and optimize urban space in a way that reduces stress, increases recovery, and strengthens the sense of safety.

The video features Terry Laakso, the developer of the TERRY–NORA method and a specialist in neurophysiological responses.

What is NeuroCity?

NeuroCity is an urban application of the TERRY–NORA method that analyzes and optimizes the city's visual environment from a nervous system perspective.

The method is based on the responses of the autonomic nervous system:

for colors
to the light
for patterns
to the rhythm of space
for visual noise

The city is not just a visual space. The city is a nervous environment.

TERRY–NORA training is a mandatory requirement for everyone who produces visual work for the city.

When the city commissions:

a wall mural
an artwork
a color intervention in a public space
stop‑area art
a visual route
a calming color service for urban space
visual noise reduction
NeuroCity optimization

all professionals involved must complete the TERRY–NORA training before starting the work.

Why?

Because the training provides the practitioner with:

deep knowledge of autonomic nervous system responses
an understanding of how colors, light, shapes and contrasts affect human wellbeing
the ability to design visual solutions that do not overload the nervous system
the capability to create scientifically optimized urban art that supports recovery and a sense of safety

This ensures that the city always receives visual solutions that promote wellbeing, are neurophysiologically safe, and are scientifically optimized — not random or potentially overstimulating works.

The video features Terry Laakso, the developer of the TERRY–NORA method and a specialist in neurophysiological responses. The images in the video are AL images that illustrate the interaction between the nervous system and the visual environment.

Why is the visual environment critical to the nervous system?

The visual environment influences the autonomic nervous system every second:

light → alertness
colors → emotional regulation
patterns → feeling of security
contrast → load
visual noise → stress
rhythm of space → predictability

When these are out of balance, the nervous system becomes stressed. When they are optimized, city dwellers recover faster .

Concrete benefits for the city

The NeuroCity method and TERRY–NORA optimization help the city:

reduce visual and auditory stress by 20–40% by optimizing nervous system responses
to improve recovery in urban spaces through light, color, and spatial rhythm
reinforce a sense of security with clear shapes, calm colors and minimal visual noise
create calming and predictable pathways that support nervous system balance
to design spaces that reduce load and support the well-being of city residents
make decisions based on measurable data, not just aesthetics or opinions

In addition, TERRY–NORA offers cities scientifically optimized visual solutions, such as:

Well-being murals and urban art designed to calm the nervous system
the design of urban environment coloring and color palettes that reduce clutter and increase clarity
visual noise reduction (contrasts, shapes, reflections, color balance)
scientifically designed art concepts that support the recovery and sense of safety of city residents

The method is based on autonomic nervous system responses and 2020s neurophysiological research.

NeuroCity – five main themes

Light and nervous system responses
Colors and the neurophysiological color field
Visual noise and load
Feeling of safety and spatial experience
Neurophysiological optimization of urban space

An optimal visual environment for the nervous system

✔ Clear lines ✔ Balanced colors ✔ Calm contrast ✔ Single visual focus ✔ Sufficient white space ✔ Soft light

These activate the parasympathetic nervous system and reduce stress.

TERRY–NORA® – Principles of visual optimization

Remove first – reduce elements before adding
Balance colors – use the NeuroMelodia chart
Calm down the contrast – avoid harsh black and white surfaces
Create a single visual rhythm – uniform shapes are calming
More space – empty space = nervous breathing

What does the city get?

The city benefits from the NeuroCity method:

scientifically based, practical and measurable benefits
tools to reduce stress and increase recovery in urban settings
a method that can be applied directly to practice
a new way of planning the city from the perspective of the nervous system

In addition, the city can commission visual environmental solutions based on autonomic nervous system responses:

murals and artwork that calm the nervous system and do not increase visual load
color design of stops and urban spaces, which increases the sense of safety and makes the environment clearer
visual noise reduction (contrasts, shapes, reflections, color balance)
a neurophysiological analysis of the space, which explains how light, colors and patterns affect the nervous system of city dwellers
urban visualizations based on scientific neural responses — not chance or mere aesthetics