Landscape Architecture Frontiers 053: Cognitive Sciences and Landscape Design

Environmental psychology explains how people's emotions and feelings change with their environment, and how environmental information and responses are processed quickly to support quick decision-making. Research on attention in cognitive sciences can inform designers by controlling spatial elements and intangible elements to minimize environmental disturbance or noise and activate users' emotional memories or symbolic implications. This issue explores the mechanism of how landscape design affects users' feelings, experiences, and behaviors, as well as usability, by introducing theories, knowledge, and research methods and findings from cognitive sciences, psychology, neurobiology, and computer science.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2022
Publisher: Oro Editions

Cognitive sciences that seek to establish scientific and explicit interpretations of human feelings and experiences within a specific environment can employ a wide range of approaches. These approaches encompass the study of how individuals' emotions and feelings dynamically evolve in response to their surroundings, intricately linked to sensory processes, brain wiring, personal experiences, and the purposes of their visits. For instance, the intuitive and prompt response of people to their environment can be understood as a direct consequence of their sensory experiences and the intricate wiring of their brains. The rapid processing of environmental information and responses is crucial for supporting quick decision-making that is essential for human survival and well-being.

Environmental Psychology delves into the types of environments that individuals prefer and the reasons behind why certain environments evoke specific emotions, such as anxiety or excitement. By understanding these emotional responses to the environment, researchers aim to facilitate or "nudge" users towards desired actions or choices. This field of study employs various theories, knowledge, and research methods from cognitive sciences, psychology, neurobiology, and computer science to support landscape architects in making informed decisions about the design of spaces that affect users' feelings, experiences, and behaviors.

One key aspect of this issue is the exploration of how landscape design influences users' feelings, experiences, and behaviors. Researchers have studied the impact of various design elements, such as spatial layout, visual cues, and sensory experiences, on individuals' emotions and experiences. For example, the arrangement of spaces, the use of natural elements, and the incorporation of sensory features like water and vegetation can all contribute to a sense of calmness, relaxation, and well-being. On the other hand, poorly designed spaces or environments that lack visual interest or sensory stimulation can lead to feelings of discomfort, frustration, or even stress.

Another important area of research is the study of usability, which refers to the ease of use and efficiency of a designed environment. Landscape architects must consider the needs and preferences of users when designing spaces, ensuring that they are accessible, intuitive, and user-friendly. Factors such as signage, wayfinding, and accessibility can significantly impact users' experiences and satisfaction with a space. By incorporating principles of usability into landscape design, architects can create environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and accessible to a wide range of individuals.

In addition to the impact of landscape design on users' feelings and experiences, research in cognitive sciences has also provided valuable insights into how designers can manipulate spatial elements and intangible elements, such as light and sound, to enhance users' attention and desired feelings and experiences. By controlling these elements, designers can direct users' attention to specific elements, element combinations, or series, activating specific emotional memories or symbolic implications. This can lead to augmented feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, or even nostalgia, depending on the design intentions.

To support landscape architects in making informed decisions about the design of spaces that affect users' feelings, experiences, and behaviors, this issue presents theories, knowledge, and research methods from various disciplines. It highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of different perspectives to create holistic and effective landscape designs. The findings and insights provided in this issue can help landscape architects create spaces that not only enhance users' physical well-being but also promote their emotional and psychological well-being, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and livable future.

Weight: 656g
Dimension: 282 x 292 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781957183084