The emotional influence of different geometries in virtual spaces: A neurocognitive examination

In this paper, a multidisciplinary approach to examining the connection between visual perception, human emotions and architectural space is presented. It details a study in which emotional reactions to architectural space geometry are empirically measured and quantified. Using various sensors, including EEG (Electroencephalography), GSR (Galvanic Skin Response), and eye-tracking (ET), we collected data from 112 individuals experiencing virtual environments (VEs), characterized by a variance of geometric manipulations. Diffusion map algorithms, as well as other statistical methods were used to analyze the data. Findings suggest that criteria of protrusion, curvature, scale and proportion of space influence the user's emotional state. Indices of ET, GSR, electrical brain activity, as well as dwelling duration and self-report liking ranks, show both “negative” and “positive” interest changes.