Explanation of the interior elements of the architectural space affecting the user's emotion based on physiological and neurophysiological data: a systematic review

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D., Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran.

4 Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial Design, Faculty of Design, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran.

Abstract

Research statement: architectural space has cognitive effects on the brain; so, the physiological and cognitive effects of architecture on humans cannot be ignored. Humans understand the surrounding environment through the lens of emotion. As a result, knowing the emotion and the architectural elements influencing it plays an important role in the audience's experience of the space. Previous research has been based on philosophy or examining behavioral patterns related to people's reactions to the environment However, these approaches have struggled to explain why and how space affects humans. With recent advances in neuroscience and cognitive science, researchers can now explore the effects of built environments through evidence-based data.. Virtual reality enables very detailed observations, accurate measurement of behavior, and systematic manipulations of the environment under controlled laboratory conditions. Therefore, it has the potential to be a valuable research tool for human environment interaction studies, such as building usability studies and post-occupancy and pre-occupancy building evaluation in architectural research and profession.
Research Objective) This systematic review aims to identify the interior architectural elements that influence users' emotions within architectural spaces..
(Research method) This study employed a qualitative approach and systematic review method , analyzing sources published from 2013 to 2023. A broad range of academic databases—Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Springer, Taylor & Francis, ProQuest, Google Scholar, Wiley, JSTOR, MDPI, and ScienceDirect—were searched using the PRISMA method. A total of 1008 articles, books, and dissertations were found as a result of the combined search of three main keyword categories. Of these, 30 studies were included in the final report.
(Findings) This review focuses on experimental studies that demonstrate how architectural elements—mostly visual stimuli—affect the brain and evoke different emotional responses.. According to the review conducted in the present research, it can be seen that the user's emotion in an architectural space is influenced by the characteristics and stimuli of the architecture of the space, which can cause the formation of a wide range of neural activities, physiological changes, and mental experiences. Each emotional reaction begins with a personal interpretation of an event, which triggers a response encompassing subjective experience, physiological changes, and behavioral actions.
(Conclusion) These studies have been analyzed in terms of variables, research methods, and in general, how to collect data and analyze data and results. Based on the survey, 14 internal elements of architecture including ceiling height, color, form, furniture, geometry, green space, light, materials, window shape, plan configuration, proportions, scale, sound, and texture affect the emotion of the user in architectural space. Among these, color was the most frequently cited factor and is considered the most influential on users’ emotional responses. Identifying these elements and understanding how they function in the definition and perception of space will be a good guide for designing architectural spaces.

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References

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Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture & Urban Planning
Volume 29, Issue 4
February 2025
Pages 91-109

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