Effects of Changes to Architectural Elements on Human Relaxation-Arousal Responses: Based on VR and EEG.

Sanghee Kim,Hyejin Park,Seungyeon Choo

doi:10.3390/ijerph18084305

Abstract

This study combines electroencephalogram (EEG) with virtual reality (VR) technologies to measure the EEG responses of users experiencing changes to architectural elements. We analyze the ratio of alpha to beta waves (RAB) indicators to determine the pre- and poststimulation changes. In our methodology, thirty-three females experience using private rooms in a postpartum care center participated in the experiment. Their brain waves are measured while they are experiencing the VR space of a private room in a postpartum care center. Three architectural elements (i.e., aspect ratio of space, ceiling height, and window ratio) are varied in the VR space. In addition, a self-report questionnaire is administered to examine whether the responses are consistent with the results of the EEG response analysis. As a result, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) are observed in the changes in the RAB indicator values of the pre- and poststimulation EEG while the subjects are experiencing the VR space where the architectural elements are varied. That is, the effects of the changes to architectural elements on users’ relaxation-arousal responses are statistically verified. Notably, in all the RAB indicator values where significant differences are observed, the poststimulation RAB decreases in comparison to the prestimulus ratios, which is indicative of the arousal response. However, the arousal levels vary across the architectural elements, which implies it would be possible to find out the elements that could induce less arousal response using the proposed method. Moreover, following the experience in the VR space, certain lobes of the brain (F4 and P3 EEG channels) show statistically significant differences in the relaxation-arousal responses. Unlike previous studies, which measured users’ physiological responses to abstract and primordial spatial elements, this study extends the boundaries of the literature by applying the architectural elements applicable to design in practice.

Highlights

The questionnaire consisted largely of questions about the importance of architectural elements applied to the virtual reality experience space, and the relaxation and arousal felt in the space with 2.3 m ceiling height applied
All the significantly different ratio of alpha to beta waves (RAB) indicator values were relevant to the arousal response, and not completely consistent with the survey results that showed the relaxation response in some elements
The survey results about the virtual reality (VR) space, where the ceiling height was 2.3 m and the window varied, were compared with the EEG response

Summary

Introduction

Architecture and built environments are conducive to healing, should the relevant spatial environment be duly considered. The environment itself cannot treat diseases, the natural environment presented in architecture and built environments may add to positive emotions [1]. Quite a few studies demonstrated that the physical environment itself is related to users’ physical, and mental health, cognitive performance, and behavior, and that mental health can be assessed in terms of the awareness of the environment through all human senses [2]. The physical environment may act as the important media underpinning people’s emotional and psychological well-being [3]. As one of the most influential scholars in the architectural design of healthcare buildings, Roger S. Modernist architects worked on the theories about the relationship between architectural design and health, it was Roger

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