Influences on Perceived Spaciousness (04-14-10)

In a comprehensive study, Stamps has investigated the effects of various aspects of the physical environment on perceived spaciousness. He has determined that horizontal area has the strongest influence on perceived spaciousness of all of the parameters tested and that as floor area increases so do perceptions of spaciousness.  The second largest effect on spaciousness came from boundary heights – the shorter, the more spacious.  Previous research has shown that brighter spaces are perceived to be more spacious, and when color brightness was controlled, hue and color saturation had a minimal influence on perceived spaciousness.

Arthur Stamps.  “Effects of Area, Height, Elongation, and Color on Perceived Spaciousness.”  Environment and Behavior, in press.