Neuro-Design Strategies in Enclosed Spaces: The Impact of Visual Openness on Attention, Memory, and Physiological Stress

This study investigates the impact of systematically increasing window number—and thus visual access—on cognitive performance and physiological stress in enclosed spaces. Visual access was operationalized by the number of windows, luminance levels, and window-to-wall ratio (0–40%). Seventy participants experienced five controlled environments (0–4 windows) in a Latin square design, while completing three cognitive tasks: Flanker (attention), D2 (selective attention), and N-Back (working memory). Physiological responses were recorded through electroencephalography (EEG, alpha/beta power) and galvanic skin response (GSR). Results revealed a dose-dependent effect of visual openness: as window number increased, reaction times shortened, accuracy improved, and working memory performance increased. EEG analyses indicated higher frontal beta activity and reduced alpha suppression in windowed conditions, while GSR levels decreased significantly with greater visual access. These findings demonstrate that incremental increases in visual openness enhance both cognitive efficiency and stress regulation. Beyond advancing the neuro-architectural understanding of window design, the study provides evidence-based guidelines for interior design and architectural practice, particularly in workplaces and learning environments where cognitive load and well-being are critical.