Oral Presentation World Sustainable Built Environment Conference 2026

Enhancing Well-being in Windowless Rooms: How Artificial Windows and View Content Influence Stress Recovery (132937)

YUKINO KURODA 1 , Szu-cheng CHIEN 2 , Masayuki Ichinose 1 , Takamasa Hasama 3 , Shokatsu Chen 4 , Kyle V.V Gatchalian 3
  1. Department of Architecture and Building Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
  2. Engineering Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore
  3. Kajima Technical Research Institute Singapore, Kajima Corporation, Singapore
  4. Building Environment Gr., Kajima Technical Research Institute, Chofu, Tokyo, Japan

Artificial Windows (AWs) are effective in alleviating psychological stress induced by the enclosed and isolating nature of windowless rooms. Although various AW forms (e.g., TVs, projectors, and posters) have been explored, few studies have compared multiple still-image displays as window view content. This study investigates the optimal view content for AWs by examining the restorative effects of different outdoor landscape images. Four experimental conditions were tested, namely A-no image; B-frontal view; C-upward view; and D-downward view. The image sets for B, C, and D were distinguished by their View Quality Index (VQI) and the proportion of greenery. Participants stayed in a windowless room equipped with a virtual window for approximately 30 minutes, performing a stress-inducing task and resting while wearing EEG and eye-tracking sensors. Stress levels were assessed four times using a short-form State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results indicated that Case D, which contained the highest greenery ratio, produced the strongest stress recovery effect, contrary to VQI ratings and participants’ subjective preferences. These findings suggest that greenery content may play a more significant role in the restorative efficacy of AWs than conventional quality indices, informing more effective designs for windowless indoor environments that support occupant well-being.