Depth Perception as a Function of Lighting, Time and Spatiality

Perceptual qualities of luminous environment change based on spatiality, time, and observer. This paper focuses on the complex interrelationships between architectural configurations, luminance distribution patterns, and the perception of spatial depth. A computational framework that draws from the recent developments in computer graphics (physically based renderings and perceptually based tone mapping techniques) is utilized to generate pictorial spaces. Daylighting conditions are parametrically changed and psychophysical experiments are conducted to measure the perceived distances of targets. Results reveal that luminance contrast is an effective pictorial cue that can increase the perception of the spatial depth.