Visual Perception of Regularity and the Composition Pattern Type of the Facade

Abstract

The present study investigates the degree of visual regularity perceived by viewers in architectural compositions, specifically concerning the type of pattern used. The research is grounded in psychological and neuropsychological universal determinants of visual perception, particularly the perception of visual regularity. The study is based on an empirical survey that involved 48 participants who rated various compositions on a Likert scale. The stimuli presented consisted of a typology of compositional patterns of facades of Polish multifamily buildings developed by Malewczyk, Taraszkiewicz, and Czyż in 2022. The survey results were subjected to statistical analyses, which revealed a clear relationship between the type of composition and its perceived regularity. This implies that architects can predict the perceived regularity of a composition based on its type, which is crucial since visual regularity is closely linked to the sense of spatial order and aesthetic value. Both of these aspects are vital for perceiving architecture as a built environment. The study highlights the significance of visual perception in architectural design, particularly how the public perceives composition types.

Keywords

• architecture
• aesthetics
• cognitive evaluation
• environmental psychology
• visual analysis