Use of biometric data and EEG to assess architectural quality of two office spaces: a pilot experiment

ABSTRACT

Architecture's reach into neuroscience has demonstrated the value of biometric data, particularly neurophysiological data captured through the use of portable electroencephalography (EEG) technology, in understanding users’ physiologic responses to spaces. While methods employing portable EEG technology are increasingly being used to study a variety of everyday settings, office environments have not yet been the subject of such studies. To address this gap, we used portable EEG sensors and heart rate monitors to conduct a pilot-scale, quasi-experiment of office occupants in their space and then again when that group relocated to new space several months later. Our findings revealed that users experienced the new office, particularly its café space, in a more relaxed way compared to the old office, suggesting that neurophysiologic data can be used in describing the effects of design features and affordances. When conducted before and after an office space redesign, biometric studies of office users broaden the methodological diversity of post-occupancy evaluations. We reflect on the significance of our findings, given our pilot approach and limited sample size, with respect to biometric data's role in the design of mixed methods post-occupancy evaluations. We also reflect on directions for future research of office environments.

KEYWORDS:

• Biometrics
• neurophysiology
• electroencephalography
• embodiment
• research methods
• workplace design
• spatial analysis

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge the people of HLW for their cooperation and support of this research effort. The authors also wish to thank the following people for their contributions to the development of the Multimer technology used in this study and for their efforts in supporting Multimer's ongoing research and development efforts: Ilias Koen, Taylor Nakagawa, Chris Willard, Jenny Kam, and Landon Johnson.

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Peter A. Bacevice

Peter A. Bacevice is Director of Research at HLW, a global architecture, design, and strategy consulting firm based in New York. He is also a Research Associate at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. He holds a PhD in Education from the University of Michigan.

Arlene Ducao

Arlene Ducao is Co-Founder and Principal of Multimer, a member of the Fulbright Specialist Program, and an Adjunct Associate Professor at NYU School of Engineering and NYU Prison Education Program.