Metaverse in the Context of Space Preference: Mapping Spatial Behavior in Interior Environments

Abstract Although space cues and latent semantics identify human attachment to the environment by developing different degrees of sense, they are often neglected or misemployed. This chapter raises the question of the role of virtual reality (VR) technology as a measurement tool of the emotional state of users in interior spaces. This chapter generates a hypothetical approach to achieving a realistic perception of spatial behavior using VR in simulating the design proposal in its initial idea, supported by hardware tools that allow for free walkthroughs and movement in virtual interiors. This chapter suggests developing a model using VR as a tool to illustrate the factors that contribute to perceiving a preferred space and investigate the rules for spatial choice. A mixed-methods approach is used to collect data through a literature review and experiment. This chapter presents a pilot study consisting of virtual experience-based participants followed by a questionnaire. The main results show that physiological and behavioral measurements of user perception can discriminate “positive” from “negative” spaces, providing designers with basic information on people’s emotional state when experiencing the space. The findings are examined in various virtual settings to generate an acceptable exposure to environmental stimuli. Through such exploratory work, designers can also benchmark and evaluate the usability of their current spaces and compare the results to the designs of competitors by allocating available resources. The research concludes with a review of selected design characteristics that help maintain the user’s experience in interior spaces. Thus, this chapter wishes to lay the foundation for a cross-disciplinary research project on interior architecture, psychology, and VR.