Sustainable design for confined and extreme environments: An EEG and ECG experimental study of the Effects of Virtual 'Blue Spaces' on stress conditions
Το work with title Sustainable design for confined and extreme environments: An EEG and ECG experimental study of the Effects of Virtual 'Blue Spaces' on stress conditions by Biniakou Klea is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
Bibliographic Citation
Klea Biniakou, "Sustainable design for confined and extreme environments: An EEG and ECG experimental study of the Effects of Virtual 'Blue Spaces' on stress conditions", Diploma Work, School of Architecture, Technical University of Crete, Chania, Greece, 2025
https://doi.org/10.26233/heallink.tuc.102407
This thesis investigates habitability and well-being in confined and extreme environments, focusing on spatial factors such as the projection of visual patterns inspired by “blue spaces” and sound. These environmental elements will be explored for their potential to create calming, restorative environments that can mitigate stress, particularly in isolated and extreme on Earth, and in space. By integrating these habitability principles, the study aims to reduce stress, improve recovery, and support mental health.To test these effects, a video-based experimental study was conducted to examine individual mental responses (N=33) to both stress-inducing and non-stress-inducing conditions. Participants’ neurophysiological and physiological responses, including ECG and EEG signals, were monitored. Visual cues inspired by blue spaces were used to assess their effects on relaxation and mental resilience under stress. Participants completed self-assessment questionnaires before, during, and after the experiment to measure their subjective experience of comfort and well-being.Signal processing and data analysis, revealed that the stress conditions significantly increased neurophysiological arousal and heart rate compared to blue space simulations. These findings provide insights into designing confined spaces that support psychological resilience and well-being, with practical applications in terrestrial healthcare settings, remote working environments, and space analogue habitats.