Exploring the emotional effects of urban street design through virtual reality and electrodermal activity

Abstract

This study investigates how urban street design parameters influence physiological, emotional and perceptual responses using electrodermal activity (EDA) and self-report surveys in a virtual reality (VR) environment. Six street scenarios varying in sidewalk width, greenery, building height, land use and traffic were tested with 22 participants. Unlike prior VR-EDA research focused on extreme contrasts, this study includes moderate spatial variations to better capture environmental effects. Physiological data were collected using a low-cost Arduino-based GSR sensor, increasing methodological accessibility for planning and design contexts. The results indicate that wider sidewalks, greenery and pedestrian-oriented layouts are associated with lower stress, whereas narrow sidewalks, tall buildings and vehicular traffic correspond to higher stress levels. Although EDA and self-reports were not fully consistent across all scenarios, both measures differentiated low- and high-stress environments. The findings support the use of physiological indicators as quantifiable inputs for evidence-based street design and health-oriented urban planning.