Italy·17 - 21 May 2027
NERVOUS SYSTEM BY DESIGN , Urban & Space Planning, Architecture & Botanical Science
A structured mobility course on designing open and enclosed spaces for physiological regulation, architecture, urbanism & botanical science
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Overview
Nervous System by Design is a structured learning mobility course for architects, urban planners, public-space operators and adult educators working on built environments. It offers a two-layer, explicitly distinct framework: (1) architectural and urbanistic reading of space , form, density, light, acoustics, materials , for both open and enclosed spaces; and (2) specific botanical and sensory science , phytoncides (plant volatile compounds), aromatherapy and species selection , as a measurable physiological intervention, not a decorative one. Participants develop transferable design competencies: reading public and enclosed space as a physiological intervention, and co-designing space with the people who will inhabit it , sensorially, not only functionally. The methodology is non-formal and experiential, consistent with Erasmus+ quality standards: participants analyse a real open space and a real enclosed space from both the architectural and the botanical-physiological angle. Delivered by Inesto SRL SB in collaboration with a certified nutrition specialist and clinical herbalist; open to accredited sending organisations and self-funded participants.
Highlights
Reading Public Space as Physiological Intervention
Density, pathways, thresholds, exposure: what they produce in the body of the person moving through them.
Enclosed Spaces
Acoustics, artificial light, materials, proportions of interiors; extending biophilic design indoors.
Phytoncides & Plant Volatile Compounds
What the literature says on species, concentration and exposure , which plants, how much, in what context.
Aromatherapy & Sensory Space Design
Smell as a design lever, not an aesthetic afterthought.
Co-Designing Space with Its Users
Participatory method applied to the sensory dimension of space, not only its function.
Integrated Case Study
A real intervention (one open space, one enclosed space) examined from both the architectural and the botanical-physiological angle.
Hosts
Amy Charnay (MS, CNS, RYT)
Clinical herbalist, nutritionist, somatic practitioner and registered yoga teacher based in Annecy, France, who designs evidence-informed, nature-based wellbeing programmes. She has delivered corporate retreats, team-building and hands-on nature workshops across France and the United States.
Paola Balduzzi
Paola Balduzzi is an architect and urban planner (M.Arch, Politecnico di Milano) and founder of Inesto, focused on how open and enclosed space shapes wellbeing. She leads gender-responsive, care-based urban projects across Italy and the Mediterranean, drawing on Inesto's work in intercultural mediation and diversity-charter frameworks.
Schedule
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Course Objectives
Analyse public and enclosed space as a physiological intervention, describing the effects of density, light, acoustics and materials.
Apply biophilic design principles to interior spaces, extending beyond typical outdoor-only approaches.
Describe the documented effects of phytoncides and plant volatile compounds on human physiology.
Apply aromatherapy and sensory design principles to a space-design process.
Design a participatory process that incorporates the sensory experience of future space users.
Evaluate a real open and enclosed space using both the architectural and botanical-physiological frameworks.
Produce a design brief integrating both frameworks, applicable to their own organisation's spaces.
Engage in structured intercultural peer exchange across European contexts.
Key Themes
- Reading public space as physiological intervention
- Enclosed spaces (acoustics, light, materials)
- Phytoncides & plant volatile compounds
- Aromatherapy & sensory design
- Co-designing space with its users
- Integrated live case study (one open + one enclosed space).
Methodology
Grounded in non-formal education and experiential learning, consistent with Erasmus+ quality standards. No passive lectures: hands-on workshops, guided experimentation with real tools, structured debate and reflective practice. Every idea is tested in practice and connected to participants' own teaching or organisational context.
What's Included
What's Included
5 days of structured learning (25 hours, 5 hours per day)
all course materials and a digital resource pack
certificate of attendance and completion
Europass Mobility document (on request)
materials & design-brief template
What's Not Included
accommodation
meals
travel
travel insurance
personal expenses
Tickets
Nervous System by Design PALERMO
Training Course
FROM$943.22/pp
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Trip Tips
For Erasmus+ Coordinators
Inesto SRL SB is an Erasmus+ accredited receiving organisation in Adult Education (KA1 – Learning Mobility of Individuals). This course qualifies as a structured course activity under KA1 staff mobility. We issue all documentation required for Individual Reports: Letter of Confirmation, certificate of attendance and completion, and Europass Mobility document upon request. Pro-forma invoices are available upon request for grant applications to your National Agency.
For HR & Training Managers
This course addresses a documented organisational need: professional burnout, reduced performance, and poor team wellbeing are among the leading causes of staff turnover and absenteeism in knowledge-sector organisations. The Wellbeing Toolkit equips participants with evidence-based personal regulation strategies and a concrete post-mobility action plan, producing measurable competency outcomes applicable to organisational learning culture, team facilitation, and leadership practice.
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FAQs
Who is this course for?
Adult educators, trainers, youth workers and community practitioners along with Architects, urban planners, public-space operators and adult educators who work on built environments — open and enclosed spaces.
Can my organisation use an Erasmus+ grant to fund participation?
Yes. This course is delivered by an Erasmus+ accredited organisation in Adult Education (KA1), making it eligible for staff mobility grants. Participants from accredited sending organisations can apply for funding through their National Agency to cover course fees, travel, and subsistence. We are happy to provide a pro-forma invoice and Letter of Confirmation for your application.
(OID E10365283)
How many participants does the course take?
Each cohort is limited to a maximum of 16 participants. This ensures adequate facilitation quality, meaningful peer exchange, and compliance with the experiential and non-formal education methodology used throughout the programme.
What is included in the course fee?
The fee covers the full 5-day programme (minimum 25 hours of guided content), all course materials and a digital resource pack, guided meditation audio recordings, a guided nature activity in Ibiza's landscapes, cultural and social programme, coffee, tea and herbal infusions during breaks, and an official certificate of completion.
Accommodation, flights, and meals are not included.
What language is the course delivered in?
The course is delivered in English, but if required, can be delivered in Spanish or Italian. All written materials and documentation are provided in English. Participants are expected to have a working level of English sufficient for group learning and reflection.
Do I need any technical or coding background?
No. The course is designed for professionals with no technical background.
What documentation is issued for Erasmus+ reporting?
Inesto SRL SB issues an official certificate of attendance and completion upon successful participation in the full programme. A Europass Mobility document can be provided upon request. Both documents are accepted for Erasmus+ Individual Reports and organisational quality reporting to National Agencies.
Can we book the course for a group or team?
Yes. We can organise a dedicated edition for a minimum of 12 participants from a single organisation or consortium, including customised dates and programme adaptations.
Contact us at info@inesto.it to discuss.
How do I book, and what is the cancellation policy?
Bookings are confirmed via our Easol listing. A deposit is required to secure a place. Full cancellation terms are provided at the time of booking. Sending organisations whose participants are awaiting a grant decision from their National Agency are encouraged to contact us directly to discuss provisional booking arrangements.