Spaciousness, behaviour and the visual environment

Abstract

The effect of the visual environment on the subjective assessments of spaciousness, satisfaction and friendliness, and on the preference of activities has been studied. 2⁵ different model conditions were produced by changing each of 5 variables; sky luminance, interior illuminance, window size, method of illumination, and type of furniture. 20 subjects were asked to give their responses to all the conditions. It has been found that those variables related to spaciousness are the sky luminance, interior illuminance and window size, while friendliness has the strongest correlation to the method of illumination and the type of furniture. It can be said that satisfaction has a close relationship with spaciousness whereas friendliness has not. As to activities, a low level of spaciousness suits meditating and contemplating, while a high level suits lecturing and having a meeting. Those activities like resting and having a party, meditating and contemplating, and playing patience have a high level of friendliness.