Impact of built environment design on emotion measured via neurophysiological correlates and subjective indicators: A systematic review. (December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bower, Isabella; Tucker, Richard; Enticott, Peter G.
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental psychology. Volume 66(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Subjects: Environmental enrichment -- Environmental psychology -- Emotion -- Interior design -- Built environment -- Neurophysiological measures; Environmental psychology -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; 155.905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2019.101344
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0272-4944

Abstract

Abstract: Studies investigating environmental enrichment have shown that exposure to enhanced sensory, cognitive, motor and social stimulation results in behavioural, cellular and molecular alterations in animal models. However, the evidence-base for the neurophysiological impact from environmental enrichment in humans has not been widely examined. This paper, which considers the built environment as one significant component of environmental enrichment, draws together evidence on the impact of the design of interior spaces on human emotion. With no robust models currently available to evaluate how built environment design impacts our emotional states, this systematic review consolidates research that has measured correlates of emotion in interior settings using measures recording either autonomic nervous system (ANS) and/or central nervous system (CNS) activity in conjunction with self-reporting to indicate conscious perception. This paper aims to assess what we know, what methodologies exist and if consistencies can be seen across previously published studies. The review found 237 records, of which 16 met abstract selection criteria. Only seven studies (across eight papers) met full-text selection criteria. Due to the vast differences in the methodologies applied, a comprehensive synthesis was not possible; highlighting the gap in controlled studies in this field of research. As Post Occupancy Evaluations (POEs) of the built environment currently focus on the physical safety and environmental performance of buildings, this review helps inform the techniques and protocols that can be applied when evaluating the emotional effect of built environment exposure. Graphical abstract: Caption: Four design characteristics in the studies reviewed explored a range of objective techniques. These included: electroencephalography (EEG); functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI); functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS); electrocardiography (ECG); heart rate (HR); blood pressure (BP), and; skin conductance resonance (SCR). EEG and fMRI studies revealed modulation of neural activity across the parietal (PL) and occipital (OL) lobes. Specific regions of modulation within the temporal lobe included the superior temporal gyrus (STG) and medial temporal gyrus (MTG), while the frontopolar cortex (FPC), superior frontal gyrus (SFG) and middle frontal gyrus (MFG) were identified across the frontal lobe. Other regions of modulated activity included the sensorimotor cortex (SMR), precuneus (PN), posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), parahippocampus (PH) and global pallidus (GP). Image 105454 Highlights: Reviewed impact visual properties of interior built environments have on emotion. Limited studies conducted & broad array of methodological & reporting procedures. Screened 237 records, 16 selected & total of 7 studies met inclusion criteria. Design characteristics explored: form; height & enclosure; furniture style; materiality. Varied brain activity; all studies showed a measurable affect to visual properties.