Effects of View and Room Size on Window Size Preferences Made in Models

Abstract

Window size preferences were studied in two experiments using a 1/12 scale model. In the first experiment, subjects viewed small-to medium-sized offices. The experiment showed that window preferences are affected by room size. Preferred window size is not a constant proportion of wall size. Rather, a larger proportion is preferred for smaller rooms. Second, the experiment showed that scenes perceived as more beautiful lead to larger preferred windows. Third, office work experience of subjects had no effect on preferences. Experiment 2, which incorporated several changes, confirmed all three of these findings. In addition, this experiment showed that window size preferences are also affected by the type of the room. Subjects viewing the same model preferred smaller windows for a computer work room than for an office.