Neuroscience meets building: A comprehensive review of electroencephalogram applications in building life cycle

The application of electroencephalogram (EEG) in exploring human psychophysiological states within the context of buildings has gained prominence. However, existing research lacks a comprehensive review offering a holistic overview of EEG applications in this domain. This research aims to fill this gap by providing a novel perspective on the current EEG applications in buildings. The investigation begins with an exploration of EEG data collection in buildings, considering the impacts of commonly used channels and data processing techniques. Subsequently, the research is organized chronologically, focusing on the life cycle of buildings (design, construction, and operation). Given the multitude of external factors and mental states influencing the operation phases, a comprehensive review matrix is employed to present the findings of current applications, with implications for several future directions. It is found that despite differences in the three phases, common concerns for human states center around attention and stress, impacting work efficiency and productivity. To address identified gaps, seven future directions are proposed, aiming to stimulate further exploration of EEG applications in buildings. This research emphasizes the potential for investigating additional phases and building elements from a physiological perspective, suggesting the inclusion of more stakeholders in experiments. Furthermore, a deeper integration of EEG and buildings is advocated. Fundamental obstacles, including databases, advanced data processing methods, and devices, are identified. This research underscores the significant potential of virtual reality in this field.