Neural responses to proxemic distance regulation in urban public spaces in the post-COVID context using a portable electroencephalogram

Recent advances in cognitive neuroscience are increasingly informing architectural and urban studies by providing objective insights into human–environment interactions. Proxemic relationships play a critical role in shaping urban spaces, and the widespread implementation of social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced how individuals perceive and regulate interpersonal distance. This exploratory study investigates neural responses associated with proxemic distances in urban settings during the post-COVID period, referencing established proxemic frameworks rather than relying on direct pre-pandemic neural comparisons. Using a quasi-experimental design, primary data were collected through portable electroencephalography (EEG) recordings and questionnaires. Participants were exposed to controlled interpersonal distance scenarios in an outdoor urban environment, allowing examination of neural activity at personal and social distances. EEG analyses focused on alpha (8–12 Hz) and low-beta (12–15 Hz) frequency bands, which are commonly associated with relaxation and attentional engagement, respectively. Results indicate a consistent decrease in alpha power and a concurrent increase in low-beta activity when interpersonal distance was reduced, suggesting heightened vigilance and cognitive engagement in response to proxemic intrusion. Behaviorally, a subset of participants maintained interpersonal distances exceeding classical proxemic norms, highlighting variability in post-COVID distancing tendencies. These findings suggest deviations from established proxemic standards that warrant further investigation. The findings offer preliminary neurophysiological evidence relevant to urban and architectural design, emphasizing the importance of considering interpersonal distance as a factor influencing mental comfort in public spaces. Future research employing longitudinal designs, larger samples, and complementary qualitative measures is needed to clarify the persistence and origins of observed proxemic adaptations.