The impact of architectural features on stress and cognition, in confined and isolated work and living environments, over time

The built environment has long been recognized as a significant factor in shaping human physical and psychological well-being.

This research initiative focuses on the influence of architectural design on cognitive performance and stress levels in confined and isolated environments, with a particular emphasis on space habitats.

As humanity aims to extend its reach into the cosmos, accommodating longer space missions and diverse astronaut cohorts necessitates a deeper understanding of how architecture can enhance cognitive abilities and mental resilience.This comprehensive study employs a multifaceted approach to investigate the cognitive performance and stress levels of astronauts in space habitats.

Cognitive performance assessments include self-administered tests evaluating Working Memory (WM), Reaction Time (RT), and Executive Function (EF).

These tasks are conducted in three distinct locations within the space habitat to capture variations due to floorplan congestion, privacy, and exposure to the exterior environment or natural elements.

Stress levels are monitored using Heart Rate Variability (HRV) sensors in 8 to 12 hour long continuous sessions, providing insights into stress responses during various activities and locations.Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) sensors are employed to gauge the activity levels of the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC), a key brain region associated with cognitive functions.

Astronaut activity schedules during the mission inform architectural influences on performance and stress, and designated assessment locations are outlined.

Environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, noise levels, and lighting profiles, contribute valuable information for correlating cognitive and stress responses.

Health indicators such as blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, and oxygen levels are also analyzed to comprehensively assess the effects of architecture on astronaut well-being.

Additionally, dietary and exercise data are incorporated to understand how lifestyle factors interact with architectural design.Comparisons between space-based and ground-based analog missions will provide valuable insights into the unique challenges of confined and isolated environments.

Additionally, we aim to evaluate the validity of ground-based space-analogue missions, for drawing conclusions for the design of future space bases.To protect astronaut privacy, all data are reported as deltas (differences) rather than raw measurements.This research aims to uncover the intricate connections between architecture, cognition, and stress in space habitats and similar environments.

The insights gained will not only inform the design of future space habitats but also contribute to enhancing astronauts´ cognitive resilience and psychological health during extended missions.Furthermore, this study has broader implications for improving the design of common architectural spaces to reduce stress in various settings.

By understanding how architectural features influence well-being, we can aspire to create environments that promote better mental health and performance for all.In summary, this research project seeks to bridge the gap in our understanding of how architecture impacts human cognition and stress, providing valuable insights for architects and designers working in both extreme and everyday environments.This application refers to the collection of the relevant data on the International Space Station.