Week 3 What kind of nature do we like

Refuge

the ability to hide or feel sheltered. (Ex. Alcoves,shaded areas, canopies, window seats)

Prospect

the ability to see out into the environment. (Ex. windows, balconies, terraces, rooftops)

Refuge and Prospect between genders

women prefer refuge

men prefer prospect

pleasure of prospect to water

people are drawn to water due to its calming anture

Berlyne's Aesthetics

Complexity

novelty

incongruity

surprisingness

Berlyne - complexity

diversity of elements in the environment

Berlyne - novelty

presence of novel elements

Berlyne - incongruity

extent of any apparent ''mis match'' between elements

Berlyne - surprisingness

presence of unexpected elements

Arousal level and Reaction

Low - Boring, uninteresting

Moderate - Most pleasurable and preferred(sweet spot)

High - overstimulating, confusing, unpleasant

Berlynes aesthetics conclusion

visual preferences are most positive at moderate arousal levels

Kaplan and Kaplan's preference definition

the Kaplans proposed that humans prefer environments that balance understanding and exploration. Meaning, things are east to make sense, but interesting enough to explore

Kaplan and Kaplan's Model

Coherence

Legibility

Complexity

Mystery

Kaplan and Kaplan - Coherence

how well organized and understandable the environment is (ex. a park with clear paths, visible structures, logical layout)

Kaplan and Kaplan - Legibility

How easy it is to navigate and form a mental map of the place (ex. landmarks, clear entry and exit points)

Kaplan and Kaplan - Complexity

the richness and variety of elements in the environment (ex. a forest with diverse plants, textures, and wildlife)

Kaplan and Kaplan - Mystery

the promise of new information if you explore further (ex. a curving path, partially hidden views, interesting sounds

Berlyne vs. Kaplan

Berlyne : focused on aesthetics and arousal - people prefer moderate levels

Kaplan's : focus on environment preference and cognitive understanding - people prefer balanced environments

Berlyne

studies aesthetic responses to things like paintings and patterns

The Kaplan's

extended berlynes theory to whole environments such as forests buildings and cityscapes

Pleasant + Moderately Arousing

most positive reaction (ex. a bright forest path with variation and openness - feels safe and engaging)

Pleasant + Not arousing

restorative environments (ex. a quiet garden - calm safe peaceful)

Unpleasant + Highly arousing

stressful environment (ex. a noisy, chaotic city street - overwhelming and confusing)

unpleasant + Not arousing

dull or depressing environments (ex. an empty parking lot or dark alley - boring or lifeless)