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

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  • Sanghee Kim

    (School of Architecture, Kyungpook National University, 80, Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Korea)

  • Hyejin Park

    (School of Architecture, Kyungpook National University, 80, Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Korea)

  • Seungyeon Choo

    (School of Architecture, Kyungpook National University, 80, Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Korea)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Sanghee Kim & Hyejin Park & Seungyeon Choo, 2021. "Effects of Changes to Architectural Elements on Human Relaxation-Arousal Responses: Based on VR and EEG," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-28, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:8:p:4305-:d:538737
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo & Nicolas Escoffier & Jane Chan & Tan Puay Yok, 2018. "Window View and the Brain: Effects of Floor Level and Green Cover on the Alpha and Beta Rhythms in a Passive Exposure EEG Experiment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-14, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. GyeongAe Seomun & Wonjung Noh, 2021. "Differences in Student Brain Activation from Digital Learning Based on Risk of Digital Media Addiction," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-9, October.

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