Importance of landscape elements in perception of spatial aesthetics in residential areas

Abstract

Our previous research was focussed on evaluating spaces in the Soviet period housing estates in Riga according to theoretical model of spatial measurements. This model was based on assumption established ex situ that liking and perception of urban space is closely related to buildings. Namely, to the way walls of the buildings shape a setting in terms of its height, width, length. This current paper sets the goal to analyse the impact of landscape elements such as trees, benches, elevations of earth surface, playgrounds on the perception and preference of open spaces in situ. This is done to verify the hypothesis that landscape elements as well as the method of research play a role in our knowledge on how urban spaces are regarded. Semi-structured interviews in walk-along modus are used to talk to inhabitants about the ways they see and like yards and streets in three residential areas: 'Agenskalna priedes', 'Kengarags', 'Zolitude'. The interview materials are analysed discursively. The extracted information is compared to the data previously acquired by using the model of spatial measurements. The results of interviews show that trees are the landscape elements that have the largest impact on how residents perceive the size of a space and how they like a setting. There are also other elements such as benches, playgrounds, elevations that play a role. The interview material displays deviations in preference and perception of the size of space compared to the model of spatial measurements. Yet these deviations can be adapted to the model.

Developing a Mixed Method for Testing a Theory on Spatial Aesthetics

“…This theoretical model serves as a base to evaluate every urban space as it is formed by the walls of buildings: to determine its category by analysing its wall-to-wall size and presence of mystery and legibility elements. The utilistion of this approach has already been described [10]. Yet, since the model was established on theory based on ex situ collected empirical data, it was decided to carry out semi-structured interviews to test this theory.…”

“…Whereas spaces belonging to the category spacious-well-structured are liked by humans [8]. It has been established in our previous research that not only walls of the buildings as traditionally proposed, but mainly smaller objects like trees, benches or roads are able to serve as a border of perceived urban space and thus determine its size, elements and according category [10]. Moreover, we have argued that a higher number of legibility and mystery elements impact the preference of a spacedisliked space can become a tolerated one if there is a sufficient number of these elements [10].…”

“…It has been established in our previous research that not only walls of the buildings as traditionally proposed, but mainly smaller objects like trees, benches or roads are able to serve as a border of perceived urban space and thus determine its size, elements and according category [10]. Moreover, we have argued that a higher number of legibility and mystery elements impact the preference of a spacedisliked space can become a tolerated one if there is a sufficient number of these elements [10]. Mystery is a type of prospectthe opportunity to see into the environmentwhich promises more information into comparison to what is visible from the current stand point if one walks into this prospect.…”