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Space perception and luminance contrast: investigation and design applications through perceptually based computer simulations

Published: 11 April 2010 Publication History

Abstract

Pictorial cues are the visual information gathered from 3D scenes; and they provide depth perception in the physical world. Pictorial cues are also used to create the illusion of depth on planar media. Planar media are a common platform for architects to visually examine the spatial qualities of their designs. Therefore, knowledge of pictorial cues can be used as a design strategy to enrich the spatial experience. In this paper, luminance contrast is proposed as an effective depth cue and design strategy. Lighting based perceptual studies are challenged by the dynamics of the luminous environments in physical experimental settings. Computer simulation allows the study of lighting variability throughout the day and year in a systematic manner. This paper utilizes a computational framework to simulate perceptual reality. Psychophysical experiments are conducted in this alternative environment. 3D scenes and the resulting 2D imagery are utilized to investigate the impact of lighting patterns and luminance contrast on depth perception. The results of the study demonstrate that luminance variations within a space impacts the perceived distance as much as they impact the luminance contrast between the task and the background. Application of this pictorial cue is demonstrated through architectural and urban design examples.

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  • (2023)Modelling audiovisual seat preference in virtual concert hallsApplied Acoustics10.1016/j.apacoust.2023.109589212(109589)Online publication date: Sep-2023

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cover image ACM Other conferences
SpringSim '10: Proceedings of the 2010 Spring Simulation Multiconference
April 2010
1726 pages
ISBN:9781450300698

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  • SCS: Society for Modeling and Simulation International

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Society for Computer Simulation International

San Diego, CA, United States

Publication History

Published: 11 April 2010

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Author Tags

  1. depth cue
  2. high dynamic range imagery
  3. lighting simulation
  4. psychophysical experiments
  5. space perception

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SpringSim '10
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  • SCS
SpringSim '10: 2010 Spring Simulation Conference
April 11 - 15, 2010
Florida, Orlando

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View all
  • (2025)Evaluating Spatial Attributes of Surface Colors Under Daylight and Electrical Lighting in Sustainable ArchitectureSustainability10.3390/su1704165317:4(1653)Online publication date: 17-Feb-2025
  • (2023)Modelling audiovisual seat preference in virtual concert hallsApplied Acoustics10.1016/j.apacoust.2023.109589212(109589)Online publication date: Sep-2023

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