Influence of functional boundary for corridor spaces in elderly facilities in China

• Published in: Building research and information : the international journal of research, development and demonstration Vol. 52; no. 6; pp. 658 - 679
• Main Authors: Hou, Keming, Guan, Xi, Wang, Haining, Hu, Songtao, Lu, Mingli, Liu, Nian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Routledge 17.08.2024; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: corridor space design; Design; Design optimization; EEG; Elderly facility; electroencephalogram; Emotions; functional boundary; Heart rate; heart rate variability; Older people; Physiological effects; Principal components analysis; state-trait anxiety inventory; Statistical analysis
• ISSN: 0961-3218; 1466-4321
• DOI: 10.1080/09613218.2023.2248297

It is crucial to explore whether optimized design spaces can have a positive impact on the emotions of elderly people. Based on the problems in the space of elderly facilities, this study proposes a 'Functional Boundary' optimization design method. The effect of this method on the emotions of elderly people is measured through subjective evaluation and physiological measurements. First, two models were established: Model A was based on the most typical corridor, and Model B was an optimized design of Model A by using the 'Functional Boundary'; a walking-through video was created for each model. Second, while the subjects were watching the walking-through video, their Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Electroencephalogram (EEG) were collected, which was followed by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and satisfaction surveys. The analysis of STAI, HRV, EEG showed statistically significant differences between Model A and Model B, indicating that 'Functional Boundary' is effective in improving the performance of corridor space. Additionally, the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed the high correlation between satisfaction and comprehensive. Therefore, this study is expected to make an important contribution to the development of elderly facilities by exploring how to improve the emotional and psychological state of the elderly through environmental optimization.