Impact of Interior Morphology on the Response of Space Perceivers

Abstract

Humans spend almost 90% of their time indoors according to recent studies whereas the morphology of these interior spaces impact their welling. The most essential element in the design of interior morphology is contours. Thus, studying the contours of the interior morphology could improve their overall response and wellbeing. Cultural exhibition spaces are considered an effective indirect tool of public learning and knowledge. Therefore, the interior form of exhibition spaces must have an impact on the response of its perceivers. Visitor studies have not investigated enough the physical context of exhibition space and its impact on their visitor’s perception. While studies in interior morphology preference and contour typology didn’t highlight all contour typologies and space function. The main aim of this thesis is mapping out the perceivers’ response to cultural exhibition spaces in order to guide architects and exhibition space designers. The objectives focused on outlining the interior morphology preference and contours typology preference in addition to identifying the exhibition space’s experience and morphology. In order to reach this map, the methodology of this thesis included an experiment which measures the participants’ rating of three indirect preference indicators (pleasantness/happiness, threat/fear, approach/avoidance decisions) was conducted. The experiment recorded the participants’ ratings of 24 stimuli of digital controlled environments of cultural exhibition spaces. The results concluded that there was a preference for curved contours compared to rectilinear and angular contours in the interior morphology of cultural exhibitions. In conclusion, a map that elaborates how designers should define the design narrative of cultural exhibition spaces and decide the type of experience they intend to create based on contour typology and interior morphology preferences is generated.