Towards a model of affect in architectural experience : using virtual environments as spatial elicitors to capture real-time and continuous observer feedback

Abstract

How do spaces make us feel? What is the perceived emotional impact of built forms? Is it possible to model this relationship? Estimating the affective impact of space has long been a challenge in understanding human-environment interaction. Most of the theories link environmental preference to instincts and evolution with preferred spaces displaying features of refuge, naturalness and ease of cognitive processing. Many studies study the effects of space focusing on specific elements and recording observer reactions. However, many of these studies rely on passive stimuli, such as photographs or static computer-generated imagery, to gather affective data. While other approaches employ invasive and specialized equipment, such as fMRI or EEG, these methods are often impractical for widespread application. Advancements in Affective Computing offer effective and non-invasive means of capturing continuous affect annotations of dynamic media like movies, games, and 360-degree content. This thesis adopts a similar perspective, treating architectural experiences as continuous and evolving media experiences, akin to those in interactive media. It conceptualizes the emotional responses elicited by built environments as unfolding over time, shaped by key spatial and temporal elements. The aim of this dissertation is two-fold: (1) to understand the affective impact of spatial key elements under the temporal scope, and (2) to formalize and quantify this relationship. Key questions include: Can we reliably estimate the impact of spatial elements on human affect? To what extent can the affective impact of architectural experience—considering its temporal dimension—be modeled? How can we collect first-person annotation in response to spatial stimuli? To address these questions, four user studies were conducted using three types of stimuli and two approaches to affect annotation. The findings provide insights into the dynamic interplay between architectural design and human emotion, contributing to both theoretical understanding and practical applications in Architecture and Affective Computing.