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Responses to warm versus cool landscape colors

Heeter, Sarah Ann

Abstract Details

2005, Master of Landscape Architecture, Ohio State University, Landscape Architecture.
Landscape architects may try to create spaces that look interesting and inviting to users. They do this by shaping the many visual aspects of the materials that make up the space. Color represents a significant visual element in the landscape. It may convey emotion, affect perception of size and temperature, whether the site is inviting, or harsh and repelling. This thesis investigated human response to color of plant materials in the landscape. Specifically, the research examined preference for, emotional appraisals of, and activities associated with warm colors versus cool colors. A pilot study tested whether pairs of landscape scenes differed in tone. The study confirmed that the images did vary as desired. Those images were then used in a second study that had 101 people evaluate the pairs in color tone for preference, conveyed emotion, and functions of the scene. As hypothesized, warm colors were preferred, but only in two of the three landscape types. Warmer scenes were also deemed more active. Examined by scene context, warm materials were preferred most in urban scenes where as cooler colors were preferred (only slightly more) in the rural scenes. A third ‘on site’ study was conducted to obtain on-site rating. The study asked people to answer a set of appraisals based on two garden scenes. It also found that people responded more favorably to a warm colored landscape than to a cool one. The findings of this study have the potential to become a valuable tool in the landscape architects arsenal. Knowing how color affects the responses and behaviors in landscapes can help create settings that better accommodate the intended users and enhance their experience.
Jack Nasar (Advisor)

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Heeter, S. A. (2005). Responses to warm versus cool landscape colors [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1127403870

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Heeter, Sarah. Responses to warm versus cool landscape colors. 2005. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1127403870.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Heeter, Sarah. "Responses to warm versus cool landscape colors." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2005. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1127403870

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)