Perceptual and Cognitive Factors that Influence Orientation in Computer Generated Real Architectural Space

This study presents results from an experiment that concerns spatial perception and cognition in virtual environments. It also includes the effects of how the development of a simulated virtual space can change perception and cognition of a real building perceived only through architectural drawings and photographs. In the experiment each student was shown external and internal 360 degrees images, representing nodes in virtual space, of the same virtual building. Two different groups of students were formed. The first group was shown photorealistic rendered images, while the other group the same images with non-photorealistic representation. Differences in orientation tendencies of the participating students, as well as statistical results from these experiments were tested and are presented in this paper. It was found that there was a statistically significant tendency of the students towards larger scatter in more luminous virtual space as well as a tendency to visit lit parts of virtual space.