Neuro-Inclusive Smart Building Design: Unveiling the Subjectivity of Comfort Experiences Through Biosignals

20 Pages Posted: 15 Apr 2024

See all articles by Sara Bagheri

Sara Bagheri

University of Amsterdam

Judith Good

University of Amsterdam

Hamed Seiied Alavi

University of Amsterdam

Abstract

The vision of smart buildings which aim to be inclusive needs to take into consideration the diversity of human needs and the various ways in which individuals interact with and experience built environments. This contribution focuses on neurodiversity, specifically investigating how certain design choices and qualities of indoor environments can have distinct impacts on individuals with ADHD. In a controlled laboratory setting, we created six conditions with modified lighting and sound designs. Participants (14 with and 13 whithout ADHD) were asked to perform an on-screen activity within these conditions, which were randomly ordered. The collected data includes biosignals from three devices (EEG 32-channels, eye-tracker, health monitoring bracelet), as well as task performance and self-reported comfort levels. We observed significant differences in EEG data, suggesting the activation of a specific brain activity — a defense system — in situations of discomfort but only for the participants without ADHD. This difference in neuro-responses underscores the necessity to design adaptive spaces that cater to a broad spectrum of sensory experiences. As we navigate the future of smart environment design, our research accentuates the importance of recognizing and accommodating the diverse sensory responses of individuals, thereby progressing toward truly neuro-inclusive built environments.

Keywords: Neuro-Inclusive, Electroencephalography (EEG), Human-Building Interaction (HBI), Light comfort, Sound comfort

Suggested Citation

Bagheri, Sara and Good, Judith and Alavi, Hamed Seiied, Neuro-Inclusive Smart Building Design: Unveiling the Subjectivity of Comfort Experiences Through Biosignals. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4790417 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4790417

Sara Bagheri (Contact Author)

University of Amsterdam ( email )

Spui 21
Amsterdam, 1018 WB
Netherlands

Judith Good

University of Amsterdam ( email )

Spui 21
Amsterdam, 1018 WB
Netherlands

Hamed Seiied Alavi

University of Amsterdam ( email )

Spui 21
Amsterdam, 1018 WB
Netherlands

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