Quantification of visual thermal perception changes in a wooden interior environment using physiological responses and immersive virtual environment

• Published in: Building and environment 2023-07, Vol.240, p.110420, Article 110420
• Main Authors: Kim, Sungeun, Yun, Beom Yeol, Choi, Ji Yong, Kim, Young Uk, Kim, Sumin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomaterials; Immersive virtual environment; Physiological responses; Thermal sensation; Wood
• ISSN: 0360-1323; 1873-684X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2023.110420

Wood can be used for various applications, such as for carbon storage, to enhance structural strength, and to promote biophilia; additionally, wooden building can positively affect the carbon footprint and well-being of occupants through changes in the thermal sensation by hue-heat hypothesis-based visual effects. However, previous studies focusing on the visual effect of indoor wood have limitations in terms of physical model implementation and subjective evaluation. In this study, an indoor wood application model is implemented using Virtual reality, and the subjective thermal sensation is quantitatively measured through physiological response measurement. The occupant's subjective thermal sensation is higher in the wood condition than in the nonwood condition and the occupant feels warmer as the level of wood application is increased. Physiological response, skin temperature, electrodermal activity, and electroencephalogram exhibit significant differences according to the level of wood application and similar tendencies to the data measured for the prediction of thermal sensation in previous studies. Using VR, the increase in the thermal sensation of occupants through the visual effect of wood without temperature control is confirmed through objective physiological parameters. •Thermal perception evaluation in virtual reality space of four wooden interiors.•Quantification of subjective heat sensation using physiological responses.•Increased visual and perceptual thermal sensation when using indoor wood.•Confirmation of the hue-heat hypothesis of wooden interiors.