Exploring the impact of windows on musicians’ experience: a neuroarchitecture perspective

ABSTRACT

Performing music can be an enjoyable activity or a source of anxiety and discomfort. Previous studies suggest that it is possible to create spaces that promote well-being by applying knowledge from neuroscience to architectural design. However, this application remains unexplored in the context of music practice spaces. In this study, a virtual replica of a real conservatoire classroom was used to investigate the effect of window size and views through windows on the perception of the built environment. A sample of 61 musicians was recruited, and through questionnaires and eye tracking, participants’ responses to environmental changes while playing their instruments were studied. The results of the experiment indicated a clear preference for larger windows, which significantly contributed to a more positive environment, perceived as more open, light, inviting, calming and spacious. In addition, eye tracking data suggested a reduction in anxiety levels, as evidenced by reduced gaze velocity and saccade ratios. These results demonstrate that windows and related variables such as daylight and views can have a significant impact on the experience of musicians during solo performance. This highlights the need to re-evaluate design considerations in music practice spaces, emphasising the crucial role of environmental elements in enhancing musicians’ well-being.

KEYWORDS:

• Neuroarchitecture
• window size
• landscape
• immersive virtual environment
• eye tracking
• performance anxiety

Acknowledgement(s)

The authors want to acknowledge the selfless participation of the professors and direction team of the Conservatorio de Música de Murcia, without whom it would not have been possible to carry out the study described in this article.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

Grants PID2020-115220RB-C21 and EQC2019-006063-P funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by ‘ERDF A way to make Europe’. Grant BES-2021-097834 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by ‘ESF Investing in your future’. Grant 2023-PRED-21291 funded by Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha and by ‘ESF Investing in your future’. Grant 2022-GRIN-34436 funded by Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha and by ‘ERDF A way of making Europe’. This research was also partially funded by CIBERSAM, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación and co-funded by ‘ERDF A way to make Europe’.Agencia Estatal de Investigación