Post-doctoral Researcher

Brief Introduction

Dr. Dai Yuhang’s research focuses on neuroaesthetics and evolutionary psychology, aiming to explore how the evolutionary mechanisms of the human brain shape emotional cognition and behavioral responses toward design and spatial environments. His work spans multiple disciplines, including design, psychology, and cognitive neuroscience, emphasizing a human-centered orientation and theoretical foresight.

During his doctoral studies, Dr. Dai proposed the Geophilia Hypothesis, revealing the emotional preferences and biological adaptiveness underlying human affinity for geographically rooted natural elements. Building on this foundation, he developed the theoretical framework of Geo-philic Design, an innovative approach in design studies grounded in evolutionary aesthetics and emotional connections to space.

At the methodological level, his research prioritizes the construction of interdisciplinary empirical frameworks, integrating functional brain imaging technologies(such as fMRI and fNIRS), behavioral experiments, and spatial preference assessment tools to investigate the emotional responses and cognitive mechanisms associated with natural materials, spatial structures, and environmental cues.

Research

Neuroaesthetics

Evolutionary Psychology

Neuro-Design Language

Geo-philic Design

Education Background

2022.03-2025.02  Ph.D. in Design, Hongik University, South Korea

2015.09-2018.06  Master of Fine Arts, Shandong Normal University, China

2010.09-2014.07  B.A. in Literature, Shandong University of Arts, China

Work Experience

2025.05-present  Post-doctoral Researcher, College of Design and Innovation, Tongji University

Design

2024–present  Sichuan Provincial Philosophy and Social Science Research Project: An Interpretative and Innovative Design Study on the Artistic Style of Sanxingdui Bronze Heads Based on Cognitive Neuroaesthetics(Project Participant)

Publications

Journal Articles:

[1] YANG M Y, CHO T Y, LIU X, DAI Y H. Research status and development direction of Child-Friendly Cities: a bibliometric analysis based on VOSviewer[J]. Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, 2025, 24(1): 443-452. https://doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2023.2292082

[2] DAI Y H, CHO T Y. A Study on the Formative Characteristics of Geo-philic Architecture Based on Modular Design[J]. Korea Institute of Spatial Design, 2024, 19(3):155-166. DOI: 10.35216/kisd.2024.19.3.155

[3] DAI Y H, CHO T Y. Research on the Concept of Geo-philic Design Based on Evolutionary Aesthetics[J]. Korea Institute of Spatial Design, 2023, 18(8): 189-201. DOI: 10.35216/kisd.2023.18.8.189

[4] DAI Y H, CHO T Y. Research on the Formative Characteristics of Geo-philic Architecture based on Fractal Self-similarity[J]. Korea Institute of Spatial Design, 2023, 18(8): 521-533. DOI: 10.35216/kisd.2023.18.8.521

[5] DAI Y H, CHO T Y. A Study on the Aesthetic Consciousness of Geoscape Architecture-Focused on Evolutionary Aesthetics and Neuroscience[J]. The Korean Society of Design Culture, 2023, 29(1): 55-66.

[6] DAI Y H, CHO T Y. A Study on the Aesthetic of Water Elements in the Exterior Space of Architecture-Focused on Evolutionary Aesthetics and Neuroscience[J]. Korea Society of Design Trend，2023, 28(1): 219-231. DOI : 10.21326/ksdt.2023.28.1.020

Honors and Awards

[1] 2016  Excellent Work Award, 14th Academy Award (Spring Competition)

[2] 2017  Second Prize (Environmental Art Design), 1st Shandong College Art and Design Competition

[3] 2017  Outstanding Work Award, 5th “Aishe Award” China Design Summit (China Architectural Decoration Industry)

[4] 2017  Silver Award, Huading Award, China International Architectural Decoration and Design Art Expo

[5] 2018  Silver Award (Architectural Space Design Category), China Architectural Decoration Award

Contact

Email: dyh910720@163.com