On the relationship between object modeling and the subjective response

This paper summarizes exploratory research that is a first step toward objectively linking the three-dimensional light-field associated with object modeling to occupants' subjective impressions of a space. Computer models were created for six light settings studied by John Flynn for which he determined specific subjective impressions. The directional nature of the light-field was quantified for each light setting using a three-dimensional array of vector to scalar (V:S) illuminance ratios, which have been promoted by Christopher Cuttle as a method for characterizing three-dimensional modeling. The comparative analysis suggests that: 1) spaces with variation in the V:S ratio are preferred to spaces that have homogeneous ratios, 2) the combination of a lower V:S ratio (less than 1.2) coupled with low variance in the V:S ratio favors spaces that appear spacious, and 3) impressions of clarity may be related to a combination of the V:S ratio and illuminance.