Spatial complexity as a factor in the experience of time duration

The purpose of the study is to set forth a framework for the research of spatio-environmental factors on the experience of time duration. A literature survey considers the nature of the experience of time as well as the research that has been carried out on different factors in the experience of time duration. The survey also considers different categories of the spatio-environmental realm and how the realm is experienced through the sensory system. Particular attention is directed in the primary hypothesis toward the possible influence of the spatio-environmental factor of complexity, especially visual complexity. Exploratory testing of complexity used 24 college students performing duration estimates with the Production method viewing scale models of different complexity of wall surface and pattern.

A secondary aspect of the study is to find support for the possible application of the primary hypothesis to the field of architecture. One undesirable experience of time duration, boredom, is studied in greater detail. Literature support is found for the relationship between boredom and decreased sense input, with decreased perceived visual complexity an example of decreased sense input. The susceptibility of the elderly to decreased sense input is considered, pointing to a possible increased susceptibility of the elderly to certain types of boredom. The scale model testing was modified with a glass screen to simulate decreased visual input, and the relationship between decreased visual input and duration estimation was analyzed for support of the secondary hypothesis. Tests for both hypotheses failed to provide confirmation but offer helpful guidance for future tests.