| Title |
An Exploratory Pilot Study on Seating Preferences in Library Reading Rooms Based on Prospect-Refuge Theory |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2026.42.9.107 |
| Keywords |
Reading Room Seat Preference; Prospect-Refuge Theory; Neuroarchitecture; EEG; Visual Access-Exposure Model |
| Abstract |
This exploratory pilot study applies a neuroarchitectural approach combining Prospect?Refuge Theory, the Visual Access and Exposure (VAE)
model, and EEG-based biosignal analysis to examine seat preference behavior in a public library reading room. All findings should be
interpreted as preliminary and hypothesis-generating rather than conclusive. Usage-time data from 170 seats served as the seat preference
measure, VAE indicators were calculated for the same space, and six EEG indicators attention, engagement, excitement, stress, relaxation, and
interest were recorded at 29 representative seats. Seats with higher visual exposure showed elevated excitement, lower relaxation, and shorter
usage times, whereas seats with lower exposure were associated with higher attention, engagement, and interest alongside lower stress and
longer usage. These patterns are broadly consistent with Prospect-Refuge Theory applied to indoor environments. Window-side seats exhibited
somewhat higher engagement than non-window seats under comparable conditions; however, this is an exploratory observation based on a
small sample (n=8) with uncontrolled confounding variables and should be interpreted with caution. This study provides preliminary
indications to inform future user-centered, evidence-based spatial design research. |