The Impact of Stress Components on Human Physiological Parameters in Office Environments from the Perspective of Adjacency Model Changes
Mahyar Arab Bour Bour 1*, Mino Lafachi 2
1- Ph.D. student, Department of Architecture, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran, mahyararabbourbour@gmil.com
2- Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran, minoo.laffafchi85@gmail.com
Abstract
This research examines the impact of changes in adjacency models on the physiological parameters of stress patterns in office environments. One of the factors that can influence the level of stress is changes in adjacency models. By quantifying these impacts, stress levels can be reduced in the design of an office environment, allowing for the creation of a homeostatic office space. Many experiments in this area are not considered reliable due to the lack of species adaptability or the presence of psychological parameters. This study addresses this issue. The following process is used to convert physiological parameters into percentages: 1) Simulating stressors with a precise understanding of the psychological nature of stress (combining Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome theory and the interactive stress model), 2) Measuring common physical effects of stress physiology (heart rate and blood pressure), 3) Testing closed office environments considering the definition of adjacency and distances (crowded conditions), 4) Identifying sensory receptors for selecting an optimal statistical population (choosing a 24-person statistical population using Cochran’s formula). Finally, recording changes in heart rate and blood pressure of the samples at two time intervals and under stressful crowded conditions in the office environment commences. Results: Heart rate: 7.7%, Diastolic blood pressure: 8.7%, Systolic blood pressure: 7.7%, Male to female heart rate ratio: 2.6%, Young to old heart rate ratio: 1.3%. Designers, by focusing on the necessity of observing adjacency patterns and the obtained numerical data, can affect a fixed percentage improvement in the physiological health and mental well-being of employees in closed office environments.
Key Words: Office environments, Interactive stress model, Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome, Adjacency model, Stress physiology.