Spatial and Social Aspects of Crowding Perception

Abstract

This paper discusses mediation of the crowding experience in architectural interiors by three environmental variables: setting orientation, room color, and visual complexity of the interior. Subjects' perceptions of space available and thresholds of crowding were assessed by the placement of miniature figures in model rooms and room ratings along several dimensions. Data presented indicated that perceptions of physical space available in the setting and crowding thresholds are effectively mediated by variations in interior design. While the actual amount of space was kept constant, subjects perceived dark rooms as smaller and crowded with fewer figures than corresponding light rooms. High visual complexity was found to interact with setting orientation and room color; nonsocial dark rooms were perceived as smaller than other high complexity interiors. The implications of these results for the design of interior spaces are discussed.