Neuro-Urbanism: Measurement of the Street Enclosure and its Influence on Human Physiology Through Wearable Sensors

Abstract

This study explores the neurophysiological impact of visual qualities in Shanghai’s chosen urban spaces, specifically focusing on the perception of street’s visual quality. This metric has been defined by changes in physical space of intersection vs. in street, visibility of the sky, continuity of the wall, and ratio of sections. These variables contribute to the “enclosure rating”, a dimensionless number that can determine the perception of urban street intersectional space by occupants. We measured the changes in average heart rate of 15 participants at the selected intersections using a customized wearable sensor kit. We compared the participants’ heart rate towards the intersectional space and towards street and ask participants to complete a comfort-related post-evaluation. Analysis of the data show that subjects who look at enclosed views of streets experienced a lower heart rate than those who look at intersections.