How Neuroaesthetics is Shaping Work, One Office at a Time

This article is originally from archello published November 11, 2025.

When Covid forced millions to work from home, we all discovered how much our environments can affect us. Some thrived in natural light and quiet corners while others missed the thrill of collaboration and discovery.

The lesson was clear: the spaces we inhabit shape our moods, our focus, and even our ability to connect. That realization has only accelerated interest in “neuroaesthetics,” the science of how design can influence the brain.

As architects and designers, neuroaesthetics gives us tools to move beyond surface beauty and create spaces that actively nurture well-being and performance. That philosophy guided our work with Pepperl+Fuchs, whose new 25,000-square-foot headquarters in Twinsburg, Ohio, is a living example of the future of work.

Partnering with Vocon to help bring this new vision to life was Independence Construction and American Interiors. Construction began in May of 2024 with employees occupying the building as of June 16, 2025. Housing approximately 120 employees, the new office reflects the changing aspirations of today’s workforce—prioritizing meaningful work, flexible schedules, and a strong work-life balance.

The new office is designed to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification, a notable green building certification awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It signifies that a building has achieved a high level of sustainability and environmental performance including sustainable design and operation, excelling in areas such as energy conservation, water use reduction, and indoor air quality. LEED is the most widely recognized green building rating system in the world, and serves as a globally recognized symbol of sustainability leadership.

When Pepperl+Fuchs engaged Vocon, their mandate was clear: design a headquarters that embodied their Work21 vision. Specifically, this means a workplace built on collaboration, flexibility, and employee well-being. They didn’t ask for a traditional corporate office. They wanted a space to thrive.

Natural light became a cornerstone, filling the reception and hospitality areas to align with research showing daylight’s role in boosting mood and regulating circadian rhythms. Colors were chosen to energize creativity in collaborative zones and calm employees in focused work areas. With American Interiors, we selected furniture that supports specific behaviors, from lounges that encourage impromptu conversations to pods designed for deep focus.

The building embraces activity-based tasks, allowing employees to choose spaces that match their style: open zones for brainstorming, quiet corners for reflection, and casual lounge settings for informal collaboration. This flexibility echoes what we all learned during the pandemic: work is not one-size-fits-all, and the environment plays a decisive role in enabling performance.

Wellness is woven throughout. A café, gym, and recreation spaces provide balance and restoration, while the building itself is on track for LEED Gold certification. For us, sustainability isn’t just about energy efficiency, it’s about human sustainability. A workplace that conserves resources while uplifting its people is the true benchmark of responsible design.

This project was possible only through collaboration. Independence Construction partnered with us to keep design and budget aligned, while Pepperl+Fuchs employees themselves shaped the process to reflect their daily workflows. The result is not simply an office, but a cultural transformation: a space that makes collaboration, innovation, and well-being tangible.

This headquarters is proof of what’s possible when design embraces science. Pepperl+Fuch’s concept helps explain why light, color, and spatial flow matter, but the true measure of success is in the people who now walk these halls. Already, the energy, creativity, and sense of connection at play at their workspace affirm that this investment in design is paying off.

Together, we’ve created not just a building, but a blueprint for the future of work.