Repository logo

Infoscience

  • English
  • French
Log In
Logo EPFL, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne

Infoscience

  • English
  • French
Log In
  1. Home
  2. Academic and Research Output
  3. Journal articles
  4. Subjective and physiological responses to façade and sunlight pattern geometry in virtual reality
 
research article

Subjective and physiological responses to façade and sunlight pattern geometry in virtual reality

Chamilothori, Kynthia  
•
Chinazzo, Giorgia  
•
de Matos Rodrigues, João Pedro  
Show more
2019
Building and Environment

This study investigates the joint impact of façade geometry and associated sunlight patterns on occupant subjective perception and physiological responses through a novel experimental method coupling physically-based simulations shown in virtual reality with a wearable biometric device. A total of 72 subjects participated in a study combining three façade configurations of an equal aperture ratio with different scenarios of space use (a social or working context). The façade variations –a non-uniform distribution of openings (“Irregular”), a uniform distribution of openings (“Regular”) and venetian blinds (“Blinds”)– were applied to an interior scene with clear sky and direct sun penetration. Subjective evaluations (how pleasant, interesting, and exciting the space was perceived) and physiological responses (heart rate and skin conductance) were collected during exposure to façade variations, while a neutral scene was used to record baseline physiological responses. Results revealed that façade and sunlight pattern geometry significantly influenced subjective responses for both context scenarios, while subsequent analyses showed differences mostly between the Irregular and Regular conditions, with the former being evaluated more positively. Façade and sunlight pattern geometry affected heart rate responses, but not skin conductance responses. In particular, participants showed a larger decrease in heart rate while exposed to the Irregular condition compared to the Blinds. Context scenarios influenced evaluations of interest and excitement. Findings are particularly relevant for applications in architecture and lighting, demonstrating that façade elements and their interaction with light can influence occupant subjective and physiological responses, and showcasing the potential of the presented method for investigating human perception.

  • Files
  • Details
  • Metrics
Type
research article
DOI
10.1016/j.buildenv.2019.01.009
Author(s)
Chamilothori, Kynthia  
Chinazzo, Giorgia  
de Matos Rodrigues, João Pedro  
Dan-Glauser, Elise
Wienold, Jan  
Andersen, Marilyne  
Date Issued

2019

Published in
Building and Environment
Volume

150

Start page

144

End page

155

Subjects

façade

•

envelope

•

sunlight

•

daylight

•

pattern

•

perception

•

physiological response

•

heart rate

•

virtual reality

Editorial or Peer reviewed

REVIEWED

Written at

EPFL

EPFL units
LIPID  
RelationURL/DOI

HasPart

https://infoscience.epfl.ch/record/257148?ln=enhttps://infoscience.epfl.ch/record/257148?ln=en

IsDerivedFrom

https://infoscience.epfl.ch/record/261357?ln=en

IsVariantFormOf

https://infoscience.epfl.ch/record/218453?ln=en
Available on Infoscience
January 10, 2019
Use this identifier to reference this record
https://infoscience.epfl.ch/handle/20.500.14299/153419
Logo EPFL, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne
  • Contact
  • infoscience@epfl.ch

  • Follow us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Instagram
  • Follow us on LinkedIn
  • Follow us on X
  • Follow us on Youtube
AccessibilityLegal noticePrivacy policyCookie settingsEnd User AgreementGet helpFeedback

Infoscience is a service managed and provided by the Library and IT Services of EPFL. © EPFL, tous droits réservés