Evaluating spaciousness in static and dynamic media

This article presents two studies on the following questions: (a) which physical properties of environments influence impressions of spaciousness? and (b) does it make a difference whether the environments are shown as static images or as dynamic virtual reality models? Work on the first question was motivated by the fact that lack of spaciousness can be a strong ambient stressor and the hope that, if suitably designed, spaces can seem larger than they actually are and thus space as perceived can be enhanced without recourse to the very expensive solution of constructing an actually larger space. Work on the second question was motivated by the professional need to predict peoples' responses to future buildings as efficiently as possible. Virtual reality programs are currently readily available, but are they cost effective? Study 1 indicated that, for the factors of floor area, occlusion, and light, impressions of spaciousness could indeed be modified without recourse to making larger spaces. Study 2 indicated that, with appropriate choice of viewpoints, findings regarding spaciousness obtained from static simulations corresponded highly with findings obtained from virtual reality models.