Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

• Bahar Majlece ¹
• Mojgan Khakpour ²
• Abbas Tarkashvand ³

¹ M.A. in Architecture, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Art, University of Guilan. Rasht, Iran.

² Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Art, University of Guilan. Rasht, Iran.

³ Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Environmental Design, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Extended Abstract
Background and Objectives: Merleau-Ponty’s theory, rooted in the embodied nature of human experience, suggests that when humans interact with others or their surroundings, they utilize their senses to form a coherent whole. This idea extends to the theory of multi-sensory perception of the environment by Pallasmaa. Therefore, the quality of the environment and the desire of people to be present in it, along with a set of other factors, is highly dependent on how it is perceived by humans. The success of spaces depends on the frequency of use and the sustained presence of people in that place. In the contemporary era, there is a noticeable decline in the presence of spaces, as indicated by various factors listed in recent research. It is necessary to know the criteria that create and promote presence in spaces, a presence that evokes the meaning and sense of place, in order to enrich the environment and the continuity of the event on an individual and collective scale. In this regard, the current research, relying on the theory of multisensory perception in architecture, tried to show that there is a positive relationship between the multisensory perception of spaces and their presence. At the same time, there is no doubt about the multi-sensory nature of the human perceptual mechanism in the process of interaction with the environment. However, there is not much information about the effect of these sensory perceptions, independently or in combination, on the user’s experience of the environment. The few research conducted in this framework indicate that the emphasis on the centrality of the sense of sight in the creation of spaces, mainly leads to the abandonment of other senses and a deficiency in the coherent sensory perception of the space, which itself, potentially, shows the possibility of reducing the presence of the space for the user.
Methods: In this framework, the current research attempts to answer the question of which sensory stimuli in the environment, whether alone or in combination with each other, contribute to making the environment more present for those who experience it. A test was conducted to quantify the impact of stimulating the senses separately and in combination with the pleasantness of the space as an index of its presence. The subject group comprised 20 volunteers aged between 20 and 35, exhibiting a symmetrical gender distribution, and possessing bachelor’s and higher education levels. Volunteers were placed in a singular architectural space, simulated for them through virtual reality arrangements. They experienced four sensory stimuli (sight, hearing, smell, touch) both separately and in combination. At the same time, the emotional reactions of their brains to these stimuli were extracted and recorded in the form of 6 quantitative indicators, which include engagement, excitement, focus, interest, relaxation and stress, using the Emotiv EPOC+ device and in the Emotiv BCI software environment. Also, the level of pleasantness of the space for them was also recorded, based on their self-report, in a 5-point Likert scale. The resulting data were subjected to qualitative and quantitative analyzes and tests in terms of the possible correlation between sensory stimuli and the pleasantness of the space.
Findings: The findings of the research indicate that in indoor spaces, the presence of visual stimuli such as light, olfactory stimuli such as the smell of plants, and environmental tactile stimuli such as a gentle breeze have an observable effect on the pleasantness of the space and will make people more willing to stay in it. On the other hand, the research results have confidently demonstrated that auditory stimuli in the interior, particularly those with an unknown source and non-aesthetic sounds, are undesirable. However, non-passive vocal stimulation (with sounds of aesthetic quality) may have other results. Summarizing the findings makes it clear that in indoor spaces, the combination of visual, olfactory and tactile stimuli will increase the pleasantness of the space with a high degree of certainty. Also, with the aim of increasing the pleasantness of the space for the user, it is better to control tactile stimulation and minimize auditory stimulation - with an unknown source. 
Conclusion: It is necessary to know the factors that create and increase presence in spaces, a presence that evokes the meaning and sense of place, the degree of prosperity to the environment and continuity in individual and collective characteristics. In this regard, the current research, relying on the multi-sensory theory in architecture, tries to take a positive ratio of spaces and their presence. In general, the research findings suggest that enhancing assimilation in bodily perception and experience of space, such that spatial perceptions are not monosensory, visibly increases the pleasantness of the space. This is likely to contribute to the improvement of presence in the spaces.

Graphical Abstract

Highlights

- This research, for the first time and in a focused manner, has examined the relationship between the components of multisensory perception and the pleasantness of the space.
- Field research has been done relying on computer technologies in neuroscience and virtual reality; The brain states of the user have been analyzed using the Emotiv EPOC+ device in relation to the sensory stimuli of the environment.
- The correlation between the parameters recorded by the Emotiv EPOC+ device and the subjects’ self-reports regarding the pleasantness of the space has been investigated.

Keywords

• Multisensory Perception
• Neuroscience
• Architecture of the Senses

Main Subjects

• Architecture

این مقاله برگرفته از پایان‌نامه کارشناسی‌ارشد نویسنده نخست با عنوان «طراحی موزه‌ی بیماری‌های پاندمیک گیلان با رویکرد هم‌ساختی تجربه‌های حسی» می‌باشد که به راهنمایی نویسنده دوم و مشاوره نویسنده سوم در دانشگاه گیلان انجام گرفته است.

This article is derived from the first author`s master thesis entitled “Guilan Pandemic Museum Design through harmony of senses”, supervised by the second author and advised by the third, at University of Guilan.