Study on window size and indoor color of typical residential units based on EEG measurement and semantic differential method coupling analysis

Architectural windows introduce natural light and color into indoor spaces, impacting users’ evaluations of interior environments and their physical and mental responses. Quantitative research to find better solutions for inner space is crucial for its implications in physiology and architecture. This study engaged 30 volunteers to evaluate the impact of window dimensions and interior colors within a virtual environment created by Enscape. Utilizing electroencephalography (EEG) and the semantic differential (SD) method, it examined the effects of rectangular window proportions (X and Y ratios from 0.2 to 0.8) and the HSL color model across 17 setups in four hues, adjusting luminance and saturation. EEG used a calculation method to measure the production of different EEG frequency bands while participants viewed various stimuli, while SD gauged spatial, physiological perceptions, and satisfaction, offering insights from both quantitative and qualitative angles. EEG analyses showed that overly large or overly small window openings are not conducive to a relaxed state. Preference leaned towards vertical over horizontal windows for the same area, with lighter, less saturated colors fostering relaxation and Alpha wave production, aside from green (H = 120) which differed. The study underscores the profound influence of window size and interior color conditions on physiological and psychological responses, advocating for a balanced approach in architectural design that considers both.