Impact of Luminance Distribution on Perception of the Shape of Architectural Spaces

Abstract

This research investigates the applicability of theatrical lighting techniques that manipulate the appearance of the shape of an environment to architectural spaces. Two temporal twoalternative forced choice experiments were conducted. Participants viewed the interior of a white room when illuminated by one of four test lighting conditions , in which the luminance differences between the vertical and horizontal surfaces varied, as well as a reference uniform luminance condition. In the first experiment, participants were asked to report which of the two randomly-presented lighting conditions made the space appear wider. In the second experiment, they were asked to indicate which made the space appear taller. In both experiments, participants reported that the space appeared smaller (narrower and shorter) when it was illuminated by all of the non-uniform lighting conditions than the reference uniform lighting condition.