A Neuroarchitectural Exploration of the Impact of Natural Views in Campus Indoor Common Areas Using VR and EEG

Abstract

This article explores how natural views in indoor designs impact occupants neuroarchitecturally. Psychophysiological responses and cognitive behaviors were examined, including EEG analysis in a VR environment and a subjective spatial perception survey with 40 participants. Comparing spaces with and without natural views, EEG data revealed decreased relative power of beta waves and increased alpha-to-beta ratio in natural view settings, signifying psychological stability and relaxation. These findings suggest that environments with natural views contribute to stabilizing psychological and physiological brain activity, leading to decreased arousal and induced relaxation. The analysis of EEG data of occipital lobe and alpha waves yielded contrasting results, emphasizing the appropriateness of employing beta waves and the alpha-to-beta wave ratio as emotion indicators within spatial contexts. Furthermore, the spatial perception survey also indicated that natural view spaces were perceived as open, warm, and attractive, evoking positive emotions and preferences for such settings. This underscores neuroarchitecture