Pre-occupancy evaluation of a virtual music school classroom: Influence of color and type of lighting on music performers

The built environment has the potential to influence human emotions, behaviors, and cognitive abilities. This study examined the influence of classroom architectural design variables on musicians' emotional and cognitive experiences during solo performance. Specifically, the effects of color and type of lighting were explored. Using immersive virtual reality technology, musicians were immersed in a virtual representation of a real conservatory classroom. Study participants were exposed to variations in room design while playing their instruments. Questionnaires were used to assess the musicians' level of immersion in the virtual environment and to determine how design variables affected their perception of the environment and emotional state. In addition, eye tracking was used to record eye behavior during performance and to identify involuntary eye movements indicative of emotional arousal. The results of this study support the feasibility of enhancing the musician experience and reducing performance anxiety during solo performances by manipulating environmental design variables. Our research showed that the combination of daylight and window views contributed significantly to a more positive evaluation of the environment, making it appear more pleasant, open, warm and light. In contrast, the absence of daylight and no outside views not only had negative impact on environmental ratings, but also significantly increased saccadic eye movements, which are associated with higher levels of anxiety. In addition, rooms with reddish walls and floors were perceived as warmer than those with blue or gray tones.