Fractal Dimensional Analysis of Building Facades: The Case of Office Buildings in Erbil City

Abstract

Fractal dimension is a characteristic parameter used to measure the complexity and irregularity of geometric shapes and patterns. It is applied in architecture to explore complexity and irregularity and to assess the aesthetic preferences in architectural design. Office building facade design pattern, as an observation unit, has a positive connection with the aesthetic value. This study aims to evaluate facade design styles in terms of two aesthetic qualities, visual complexity and visual diversity, via applying fractal dimension to three design styles of office building facades in Erbil City. The study uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative evaluations to achieve this goal. It employs box-counting analysis through the ImageJ plugin to FracLac and the mathematical perplexity equation to evaluate visual complexity and diversity. The results indicate that the neo-classical office facade style, with a visual complexity value of 1.7008 and visual diversity of 21.27, presents an elevated level of aesthetics similar to the saccadic pattern facade. This study concluded that a neo-classical architectural style for office building facades is the most aesthetically preferable. Modern facade design is considered a secondary architectural style aimed at achieving aesthetic value. Ultimately, the high-tech style is the least attractive facade style. This study contributes to avoiding designs of unattractive office building facades due to a lack of architectural design vocabulary while avoiding overly complex designs that prove visually upsetting for viewers.