" Supravisual Perception: Crossmodal Correspondences in Architectural Design from a Cognitive Perspective"
Subject Areas :
fedra aminibadr
1
,
Lachin pahlavan
2
1 - Assistant Professor Of Architecture Department, Miyaneh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Miyaneh, Iran
2 - Assistant Professor Of Architecture Department, Azar Shahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Azar Shahr, Iran .
Keywords: Sensory Architecture, Multisensory Design, Cognitive Sciences, Spatial Perception, Sensory Interactions,
Abstract :
Architecture transcends construction, integrating form, function, and aesthetics while shaping human spatial perception and sensory interactions. Unlike traditional approaches focusing on visual perception, contemporary research emphasizes the role of other senses (auditory, tactile, olfactory) in spatial experiences. Influenced by cognitive neuroscience, this paradigm shift highlights multisensory perception and crossmodal interactions in environmental understanding. For instance, the correlation between ambient lighting and thermal comfort, or acoustics’ impact on perceived safety, underscores multisensory design’s importance. This study investigates sensory coherence between lighting and acoustics in architectural design using a dual approach: systematic literature review and experimental investigation. In the experiment, 40 participants (aged 25-35) were placed in a 4×4-meter room under two conditions: 1) congruent (warm lighting at 2700 Kelvin, nature sounds at 50 dB); 2) incongruent (cool lighting at 6500 Kelvin, traffic noise at 50 dB). Responses were assessed via a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire (comfort, spatial perception, safety, lighting quality, sound pleasantness, ease) and heart rate measurements. Findings revealed that the congruent condition significantly improved comfort (4.1 vs. 2.7), lighting pleasantness (4.2 vs. 2.6), sound pleasantness (4.3 vs. 2.5), and ease (4.1 vs. 2.8), made the space appear larger (65% vs. 30%), and reduced stress (heart rate 72 vs. 78 bpm). These results highlight the need to reevaluate sensory convergence frameworks in multisensory design, suggesting that prioritizing multisensory perception enhances spatial experience quality and fosters users’ cognitive, emotional, and social growth, ultimately creating spaces that improve quality of life.
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