The size of space
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Understanding the Perception of Space Size
Multi-modal Representation of Space Size in the Human Brain
The human brain processes the size of indoor spaces by integrating visual and auditory cues. Research using fMRI has shown that both sensory-specific and multimodal representations are involved in this process. Visual stimuli, such as images of empty spaces, and auditory stimuli, like sounds with different reverberations, help the brain classify the size of spaces. Key brain regions, such as the angular gyrus and the right medial frontal gyrus, display integrated representations of spatial size, indicating that the brain combines information from different sensory modalities to perceive space size accurately1 4.
Cues for Perceiving Space Size in Landscapes
The perception of space size in landscapes involves various visual cues, including the height and complexity of walls, soil texture, and brightness. These cues help differentiate the perception of space size from the perception of distance, which uses similar but distinct attributes. The integration of these cues allows for a separate mental activity dedicated to perceiving the size of spaces, highlighting the complexity of spatial perception2.
Visual Perception of Architectural Spaces
Studies on visual perception of architectural spaces reveal that judgments of depth and size are closely related. When viewing spaces through different methods, such as binocular viewing of actual spaces or monocular viewing of photographs and drawings, the perceived size of space is influenced by perceived depth. This relationship suggests that the brain uses depth cues to estimate the size of spaces, reinforcing the idea that spatial perception is a multifaceted process3.
Room Size and Adequacy in Small Homes
Perceptions of room size and adequacy in small homes are influenced by factors beyond physical dimensions. Surveys indicate that the number of occupants, household income, and other socio-economic factors play a significant role in how space is perceived. This suggests that subjective experiences and contextual factors are crucial in determining whether a space is considered adequate5.
Illusions in Room Size Perception
Research on the perception of room size has identified a substantial illusion related to room shape. More rectangular rooms are consistently perceived as larger than less rectangular rooms of the same size. This illusion persists regardless of the observer's viewing position, indicating that room shape significantly impacts spatial perception. These findings have important implications for room design, as they suggest that altering room proportions can influence perceived space size6.
Conceptualizing Space in GIS
The way people conceptualize space is essential for designing Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Space can be categorized into different types based on physical properties such as manipulability, locomotion, and size. These categories include manipulable object space, non-manipulable object space, environmental space, geographic space, panoramic space, and map space. Understanding these distinctions helps create more intuitive and user-friendly spatial information tools8.
Judging Room Size in Virtual Reality
In virtual reality (VR), "impossible spaces" allow for overlapping virtual rooms within the same physical space. Studies show that participants can accurately judge the sizes of these rooms and their relative sizes, even when the rooms overlap. This suggests that important spatial relationships are preserved in VR, making it a valuable tool for studying spatial perception9.
Archaeological Interpretation of Room Size
In archaeology, the size of architectural spaces, such as room floor areas, provides valuable insights into past social organizations and room functions. Studies of Southwestern pueblos use room size data to infer planning and coordination in construction, suggesting centralized social systems in some prehistoric communities. This highlights the importance of spatial dimensions in understanding historical and cultural contexts10.
Conclusion
The perception of space size is a complex process involving multiple sensory cues and cognitive factors. From brain integration of visual and auditory information to the influence of room shape and socio-economic factors, various elements contribute to how we perceive and judge the size of spaces. Understanding these factors can enhance the design of living spaces, virtual environments, and spatial information systems, ultimately improving our interaction with the physical and virtual worlds.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Multi-modal representation of the size of space in the human brain
The human brain processes spatial size perception using both sensory-specific and multimodal representations, with sensitivity to the match in spatial size information conveyed through image and sound.
Non-RCT
PreprintCues for the Perception of the Size of Space in Landscapes
Perception of the size of spaces in landscapes is influenced by attributes such as height and complexity of walls, soil texture, presence of loose elements, brightness, and previous experience, rather than just estimating distance.
Studies in visual perception of architectural spaces and rooms. 3. A relation between judged depth and size of space.
Perceived size of space depends on perceived depth, as judged depth is a power function of perceived depth times perceived width in visual perception of architectural spaces and rooms.
Non-RCTMulti-modal representation of the size of space in the human brain
The human brain processes spatial size perception using both sensory specific and multimodal representations, with sensitivity to the match in spatial size information conveyed through image and sound.
Non-RCTPreprintRoom size and adequacy of space in small homes
Starter homes in England and Scotland are perceived as insufficient by 63% of respondents, with adoquacy influenced more by the number of occupants than physical size.
The Perception of Room Size
More rectangular rooms are perceived as larger than less rectangular rooms of equal size, regardless of the viewing position of the observer.
Non-RCTThe Size and Shape of "Idea Space"
The "idea space" is 14-dimensional and the universe of ideas can be estimated at 6 billion ideas, with practical implications for similarity search results.
Human conceptions of spaces: Implications for GIS
This paper proposes a unified view of space classification based on manipulability, locomotion, and size, which can improve the design and use of spatial information tools for better communication.
Highly CitedRelative Room Size Judgments in Impossible Spaces
Impossible spaces accurately preserve spatial relationships, with participants accurately judging the sizes of individual rooms and the relative sizes of different rooms.
RCT