Human Behavior in Windowless Office Spaces

Abstract

This study, which was based on two experiments, was conducted to evaluate the effects of visual environments in windowless office spaces on human behavior. In Experiment I, the subjects were asked to perform a basic task, and their behavior was observed to investigate whether or not such environmental factors as windows, potted plants, paintings, etc. affected task performance, eye fixation points, behavior patterns during rest periods, etc. In Experiment II, the subjects were asked to perform six types of tasks that were similar to general office tasks, and their behavior was observed in order to evaluate the effects of windows and interior decorations such as paintings and potted plants on task performance and behavior patterns during rest periods. As a result, it was found that windowless office spaces have adverse effects on human behavior in comparison to windowed ones. In addition, it was also found that these adverse effects can be compensated for by interior decoration or by considering task contents to be assigned in windowless office spaces.