Neural recognition of real and computer-designed architectural images

Abstract

Neuro-architecture seeks to define and understand the relationship between our psychological state and the artificial structures in which we spend most of our time and incorporate that insight into the design. However, little is known about the subjective judgment of real architectural models and about the cognitive processes in aesthetic appreciation applied to architecture. In the present study, we used real and computer-designed architectural images of bedrooms, in order to compare both types of images. Participants were asked to judge the arousal and valence of their own emotional experience after viewing each image. Furthermore, we used EEG recording to gain a better understanding of the regions of the brain involved in the processing of these images. Our results show that there are significant differences in the early stages of processing of both types of images and emphasize the importance of generating familiar and recognizable images for the acceptance by people.