Comparative study on human responses in isolated and confined offices with an artificial window

Abstract

People in isolated and confined offices are separated from both daylight and view, which negatively impacts their health. Research in aboveground space indicated that dynamic circadian lighting and views can enhance people’s health. This study focused on the effects of artificial windows (AWs) on people’s physiological and psychological responses and cognitive performance in these offices. Comparative evaluations were conducted for whether AWs perform differently from real windows (RWs) in similar conditions of dynamic view contents and dynamic lighting at eye level. Dynamic lighting and views’ effects were also concerned. Four single-occupancy offices (1.95m2) were built, each with a window frame measuring 850mm×1300mm. LED screen was utilized as AW. Twenty college students volunteered to participate in the experiment.The results indicated no significant differences between AWs and RWs on cognitive performance (with views), physiological parameters (without views), and mood and alertness. Although AWs without views were more favorable in lighting perceptions, RWs’ significant advantages persisted in physiological parameters and lighting perceptions (with views), cognitive performance (without views), and restorative perception. Over lighting at eye level (>1500 lx) may have disadvantages in physiological parameters, cognitive performance, and mood, and AW’s view did not show benefits in physiological parameters, restoration, or lighting perceptions.Introducing AW in windowless spaces could be beneficial. However, further research on AWs is necessary for better application, for example, balancing LED screens’ luminance and resolution. This study contributes to understanding AWs' effects on human responses, providing valuable references for AWs’ application and optimization in isolated and confined offices.