Quantifying Emotions in Architectural Environments Using Biometrics

This paper reviews studies that have quantified humans’ emotions in architectural environments using biometrics. We analyzed the design variables that induced positive emotions and compared the study conditions for each result, including the biometric tools utilized. The objective was to analyze the design characteristics of the architectural environment, biometric tools, and study conditions that measure emotional responses in design research, their limitations, and future uses of biometric devices. Twenty papers were selected using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The population, intervention, control, outcome, and setting study design were used as an analysis framework. The reviewed papers used biometric tools such as electroencephalography, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, functional magnetic resonance imaging, galvanic skin response, electromyography, electrocardiography, and eye-tracking to analyze emotions. Environmental factors that produce positive emotional responses in the architectural spaces included form, layout, material, color, furniture, and lighting. The findings from methodology using biometric tools have the potential to develop an evidence-based design to produce positive emotions in architectural environments that improve our mental health and well-being.