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Measurement Tools

Physiological, environmental, and behavioral measurement tools are revolutionizing the way we understand the interaction between humans and architectural spaces. These techniques allow for the collection of detailed data that helps evaluate how differaent environments influence not only behavior but also the emotional and physiological states of individuals. The integration of these various measurements provides a comprehensive and detailed picture of the interactions between people and the built environment, offering valuable data for the design of more functional, comfortable, and stimulating spaces.

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NEURO and PHYSIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENTS

 

EEG Electroencephalography

This is a useful technique for measuring and visualizing the brain’s electrical activity, allowing us to understand cerebral reactions to different architectural spaces. For instance, some studies using EEG have observed differences in arousal levels (i.e., physiological excitement or activation) of people in environments illuminated with lights of different color temperatures, specifically 5000 K (cooler, white light) and 3000 K (warmer, yellow light) (Noguchi, Sakaguchi, 1999). Other EEG measurements of arousal have been conducted, for example, to observe the level of excitement and/or physiological activation of people in red-colored spaces (Kuller, Mikellides, Janssens, 2009).

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Küller,R.;Mikellides,B.;Janssens,J., Color, arousal, and performance. A comparison of three experiments. ColorRes.Appl.2009, 34, 141–152. [CrossRef] 

Noguchi,H.; Sakaguchi,T., Effect of illuminance and color temperature on lowering of physiological activity .Appl.Hum.Sci. 1999, 18, 117–123. [CrossRef]

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fMRI Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

This technique allows for the visualization of brain activity and the identification of which areas of the brain are active in response to various architectural stimuli.

The use of fMRI in the architectural field has, for example, demonstrated how buildings designed by architects, such as the Pantheon, the Salk Institute, the Chapel of Ronchamp, the Alhambra, and the Cathedral of Chartres, can induce a state of contemplation compared to generic buildings (Bermudez et al. 2017).

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J. Bermudez, David Krizaj, D. L. Lipschitz, C. Elliott Bueler, J. Rogowska, D. Y. -Todd, Yoshio Nakamura, Externally-induced meditative states: an exploratory fMRI study of architects’ responses to contemplative architecture, Frontiers of Architectural Research, Volume 6, Issue 2, 2017, Pages 123-136

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EMG  Electromyography

This technique measures muscle activity, which is useful for assessing physical tension and stress in response to environments. Additionally,  EMG has been used in studies for the recognition of facial expressions (Calvo, Nummenmaa, 2016), which can be helpful in understanding the states and emotions individuals experience when interacting with architecture.

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Calvo,M.G.;Nummenmaa,L. Perceptual and affective mechanisms in facial expression recognition: An integrative review. Cogn.Emot. 2016, 30, 1081–1106. [CrossRef] 

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MEG Magnetoencephalography

This neuroimaging technique measures the magnetic fields generated by neuronal electrical activity in the brain, allowing us to visualize real-time changes in the magnetic fields produced by neuronal activity. 

This can offer interesting, yet unexplored, insights in the field of architecture, such as studying how different spatial configurations influence brain activity or monitoring brain reactions to various environments to assess levels of stress or well-being.

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GSR Galvanic Skin Response

Measuring the galvanic skin response allows for the detection of stress or arousal levels. 

In a study on the perception of urban and architectural environments, it was shown that GSR signals are higher in historic city centers compared to areas with modern urban fabric (Erkan, 2024). 

This suggests that historic environments may evoke stronger emotional responses, potentially due to their rich cultural significance and intricate design elements, highlighting the importance of preserving and thoughtfully integrating such areas within modern urban planning.

 

Erkan, I. Sense of Urban and Architectural Environment. Architecture and Engineering. Volume 9 Issue 2, 2024 

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ECG Electrocardiography

Monitoring heart rate can be useful for measuring emotional state and stress levels in relation to built environments. 

Exposure to different environmental factors, such as noise, subjective social stress, or thermal loads, has a significant influence on heart rate variability (Schnell et al. 2013). 

Additionally, it has been demonstrated through heart rate measurements that resting in environments with a window offering a view of nature is more restorative than resting in environments without an external view (Engell et al. 2020).

I.Schnell, O.Potchter, Y.Epstein, Y.aakov, H.Hermesh, Shmuel Brenner, E.irosh, The effects of exposure to environmental factors on Heart Rate Variability: An ecological perspective, Environmental Pollution, Volume 183, 2013, Pages 7-13, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2013.02.005.

T.Engell, H.W. Lorås, H.Sigmundsson, Window view of nature after brief exercise improves choice reaction time and heart rate restoration, New Ideas in Psychology, Volume 58, 2020, 100781.

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Oximeter

This device measures blood oxygen saturation, which can help gauge levels of stress or relaxation. 

Data collected from oximeters can contribute to developing design guidelines for creating environments that support respiratory health. 

For example, these guidelines might include the integration of natural ventilation, the use of indoor plants, and the selection of materials that do not emit toxic substances.

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ENVIRONMENTAL  MEASUREMENTS

Air Quality

This involves monitoring levels of CO2, particulate matter, and other pollutants to understand the impact of the environment on health and behavior. 

For instance, the choice of natural materials and the organization of spaces can significantly influence indoor air quality. 

Poor air quality can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems and decreased cognitive function, emphasizing the need for architects to prioritize ventilation, material selection, and spatial layout in their designs. 

Incorporating biophilic elements and sustainable practices can further enhance indoor air quality, contributing to healthier and more productive environments.

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Binaural Head  -  Noise Level

By measuring noise levels, it is possible to understand how acoustic pollution affects comfort and behavior. 

 

A study suggests that responses to environmental stress from noise have a direct impact on physical well-being and an indirect impact on emotional well-being (Cantuaria et al. 2023).

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Manuella Lech Cantuaria, Jørgen Brandt, Victoria Blanes-Vidal, Exposure to multiple environmental stressors, emotional and physical well-being, and self-rated health: An analysis of relationships using latent variable structural equation modelling, Environmental Research, Volume 227, 2023, 115770.

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Lux Meter

This device is used to assess the intensity and quality of natural and artificial light. 

Proper lighting in a space is crucial for ensuring visual comfort, safety, and productivity. 

Natural light, when available, is preferable because it has positive effects on health and well-being, influencing mood and circadian rhythm (von Gall, 2022).

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von Gall, Charlotte. 2022. The Effects of Light and the Circadian System on Rhythmic Brain Function International Journal of Molecular Sciences 23, no. 5: 2778.

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Thermo-Hygrometer

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This device measures environmental conditions to analyze their impact on comfort and behavior. 

An environment that is too humid or too dry, or with inadequate temperatures, can negatively affect well-being, causing discomfort and even health issues. 

For example, some studies have demonstrated the relationship between environmental conditions and their effects on blood pressure (Wang et al., 2017).

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Wang Q, Li C, Guo Y, Barnett AG, Tong S, Phung D, Chu C, Dear K, Wang X, Huang C. Environmental ambient temperature and blood pressure in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Total Environ. 2017 Jan 1;575:276-286.

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Anemometer

This device measures environmental conditions to analyze wind speed. 

Wind speed can influence occupant comfort, structural safety, and the energy efficiency of buildings. 

A study conducted in 2020 analyzed how window design affects comfort and energy efficiency by managing wind speed (Esfahankalateh et al., 2020).

Atefeh Tamaskani Esfahankalateh, Mohammad Farrokhzad, Ommid Saberi, Amirhosein Ghaffarianhoseini, Achieving wind comfort through window design in residential buildings in cold climates, a case study in Tabriz city, International Journal of Low-Carbon Technologies, Volume 16, Issue 2, May 2021, Pages 502–517

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BEHAVIORAL MEASUREMENTS

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Eye Tracking

This technique monitors eye movements to understand where people look and for how long. 

Some studies conducted with eye tracking have shown that people tend to ignore blank facades (Hollander et al. 2020; Krupina et al. 2017) and focus longer on elements of higher architectural quality (de la Fuente Suárez, 2020).

Hollander, Justin B., Ann Sussman, Alex Purdy Levering, and Cara Foster-Karim. 2020a. Using Eye-Tracking to Understand Human Responses to Traditional Neighborhood Designs. Planning Practice & Research 35 (5): 485–509. 

Krupina, A.A., V.V. Besplaov, E.Y. Kovaleva, and E.A. Bondarenko. 2017. Eye Tracking in Urban Visual Environment. Construction of Unique Buildings and Structures 52:47–53.

De la Fuente Suárez, Luis Alfonso. 2020. Subjective Experience and Visual Attention to a Historic Building: A Real-World Eye-Tracking Study. Frontiers of Architectural Research, September, S2095263520300558.

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Movement Monitoring 

or Dwell Time Tracking

Tracking people’s movements through motion sensors or tracking systems is useful for analyzing the paths and behaviors individuals exhibit in a space. This allows for the detection of relationships between spatial visibility, individual motivations, and knowledge of the spaces (Stanitsa et al. 2023).

Avgousta Stanitsa, Stephen H Hallett, Simon Jude, Investigating pedestrian behaviour in urban environments: A Wi-Fi tracking and machine learning approach, Multimodal Transportation, Volume 2, Issue 1, 2023, 100049.

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Facial Expression Analysis

Software is used to recognize and analyze facial expressions to determine emotions. During the design phase, it may be possible to monitor users’ emotional reactions to models or simulated environments to better understand which spatial configurations promote comfort, satisfaction, or reduce stress.

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Virtual Reality (VR)

Creates immersive simulations of architectural environments to observe reactions and behavior in controlled scenarios. Augmented Reality (AR), on the other hand, overlays digital elements onto the real world to study how people interact with modified spaces.

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Questionnaires and Surveys

These tools collect self-reported data on perceptions, emotions, and preferences related to architectural spaces. 

For example, questionnaires like the Perceived Restorativeness Scale (PRS) assess how environments contribute to individuals’ psychological recovery (Hartig et al. 2003). 

Others, such as the Urban Design Quality Assessment Tool (UDQAT), evaluate the quality of urban design based on variables like visual attractiveness, the functionality of public spaces, perceived safety, and inclusivity (Carmona et al., 2008).

Hartig, T., Evans, G. W., Jamner, L. D., Davis, D. S., & Garling, T. (2003). Tracking restoration in natural and urban field settings. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 23(2), 109-123.

Carmona, M., De Magalhães, C., & Hammond, L. (2008). Public Space: The Management Dimension. Routledge.

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