Evaluating psychophysiological responses based on the proximity and type of window view using virtual reality

This study aimed to analyze the impact of changing the proximity and type of window view on the building occupants’ psychophysiological responses based on virtual reality. Nine scenarios were set, considering type of window view (i.e., urban, mixed, and natural) and proximity of window view (i.e., distant, moderate, and nearby). In each scenario, psychological responses (i.e., Visual content and Visual Privacy), and physiological responses (i.e., average of through-to-peak amplitude (TTP_avg), average of phasic amplitude (Phasic_avg), average of skin temperature (Skin Temp_avg)) were measured. First, a survey revealed that most building occupants considered window view an important factor (82 %) but were dissatisfied with the current residential space (53 %). Second, most building occupants preferred natural window view (76 %), while the rest preferred distant urban window view. Third, the analysis of the window view change and the building occupants’ psychophysiological responses confirmed significant relationships between proximity of window view and psychological responses, and between type of window view and physiological responses. Consequently, as the proportion of urban environment increased, stress affected the building occupants' psychophysiological responses. Finally, the correlation between the psychophysiological responses of building occupants was analyzed, implying the value of priority the mental and physical health in terms of window view changes, considering building occupants’ preferences, through monitoring the TTP_avg. The study's findings are expected to improve human health and well-being beyond the comfort of building occupants.