PhD student story: Busra Berber

What motivated you to pursue a PhD, and why did you choose this specific field of study?

I’ve always been in love with architectural design - both the practice and the theory behind it. I’ve long been curious about the research side of what we see, sense, and experience in architectural environments. I wanted to dig deeper and find answers to questions like, “How do we feel in here?” My inspiration came partly from Zumthor’s The Eyes of the Skin, which helped me see architecture as something deeply emotional and sensory- not just spatial. Pursuing a PhD felt like the natural path to explore these questions in depth.

Can you explain your research topic and its significance in simple terms?

My research explores how people feel in architectural spaces - and how we can actually measure those emotional responses through physiological signals like heart rate and skin temperature. The aim is to better understand the emotional impact of space, not just through what people say, but also what their bodies reveal. By developing a method to quantify emotional responses in architecture, I hope to offer both researchers and designers a new way to consider human experience in the design process.

How do you think your research can impact the wider academic community or society?

This work contributes to both architectural theory and practice by making emotion - a deeply human yet often overlooked dimension - more measurable and visible in design conversations. It opens up new ways to create spaces that are not only functional and aesthetic, but also emotionally attuned to how people feel and behave.

What challenges have you faced in your research, and how have you overcome them?

The biggest challenges were connecting with and convincing an industry partner, and navigating the ethical approval process for my research. Both took time, persistence, and clear communication to overcome.

How does your research align with global issues or trends, such as sustainability or technological innovation?

In an age where cities are becoming increasingly data-driven, my research brings emotional intelligence into the conversation. It aligns with technological innovation by using biosensors and emotion-tracking tools, and it supports a more human-centered approach to sustainability - one where emotional well-being is a key component of healthy, inclusive environments.

I’ve always seen my PhD as more than an academic project - it’s like launching a start-up rooted in a passionate idea. From the beginning, I designed my research to connect with industry, and I was fortunate to bring an external partner on board: Outernet London, one of the world’s largest media architecture venues. I treated this collaboration as a kind of living research lab. Beyond data collection, I also organised workshops and a public talk at the London Festival of Architecture with the Director of Outernet London. This has been one of the most exciting aspects of my journey - seeing my research begin to make an impact both within the industry and the wider community.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of being a PhD student at your department within UCL?

The most rewarding part of being a PhD student at The Bartlett is the intellectual freedom to shape my research in creative, experimental ways. I’ve also benefited from the interdisciplinary environment - working with passionate researcher colleagues, computer scientists and designers has expanded my thinking and enriched my methods. It’s a place where bold ideas are welcomed, which has made my journey both challenging and inspiring.

How do you balance the challenges of your PhD with your personal life or other interests?

Balancing a PhD with personal life hasn’t always been easy, especially during intense research phases. I’ve learned to create small rituals - like walks, exercise, music, or visiting exhibitions - that help me recharge. Some weeks are better than others, and I’ve come to accept that balance is more about rhythm than perfection. 

What are your career development and future goals?

My PhD has helped me develop a wide range of skills that go far beyond academia - from designing research frameworks to collaborating with industry and engaging the public. I’ve learned to manage complex projects, communicate across disciplines, and translate abstract ideas into real-world applications. These skills are directly shaping my future path, where I hope to continue working at the intersection of research and design.

What is your advice for prospective students?

Follow what genuinely interests you, even if it feels unconventional. UCL is a great place to explore ideas across disciplines. Stay open, stay curious, and let the journey shape you as much as you shape it.

In the end, architecture isn't just what we see - it’s what we feel, remember, and carry with us.