Biophilic Colour Strategies for Stress Reduction in Malaysian Government Offices Using Biometrics and Virtual Reality Simulation

Abstract: This study explores the impact of biophilic colour strategies on stress reduction in Malaysian government offices using a combination of Virtual Reality (VR) simulation and biometric measurements. Three immersive environments were developed based on chromotherapy principles: natural, blue, and green. A total of 34 participants, comprising government office occupants and experts in the built environment and psychology, were involved. Stress indicators such as heart rate variability (HRV), electrodermal activity (EDA), blood pressure, sleep duration, and commuting time were recorded. The findings revealed that blue and green environments improved HRV, reduced EDA, and lowered both pulse and blood pressure. Differences between expert and occupant responses suggest that individual background and professional experience influence environmental preferences. This study highlights the value of integrating VR and biometric tools to support pre-occupancy design evaluation and stress mitigation in workplace environments.