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LinYi-hsuan2000 ljc.pdf (3.78 MB)

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Human Emotional Responses to Visual Aspects of Water Features

Lin, Yi-hsuan
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1396351739

Abstract Details

2000, Master of Landscape Architecture, Ohio State University, Landscape Architecture.
"Water. It is difficult to image another element in the world that is so central and so vital both to basic life and to a diverse range of aesthetic and recreational pleasures" (Campbell, 1978). Water is so significant to our life that the way landscape architects design visual water elements is very important. This present study tested and documented various responses to visual images of urban water feature designs. Design theory today connects feelings such as tranquility, happiness and self-reflection to different types of water features. These connections are stated throughout the design literature. “One of the best things about water is the look and feel of it" (Whyte, 1980). "Moving water is the greatest source of relaxation" (Hannebaum,1994). "Static, quiet water is peaceful, relaxing, and mellow in character with a soothing effect on human emotions. Dynamic water is energetic and emotionally stimulating" (Booth, 1983). "Cascades and waterfalls seem to impart more of a sense of excitement and inspiration than calmer stretch water" (Campbell, 1978). These statements of theory are broadly accepted. In reviewing the literature for research to verify these theories, I found few studies that addressed specifics of how people relate to water. Most design literature presents authors’ reactions to and opinions about water and water forms, but they offer little scientifically defensible evidence. The hypothesis of this study is -- There are predictable emotional responses to visual water features classified into two basic types- still water and moving water. It is predicted that still water evokes tranquil feelings. Moving water evokes excitement, with the level of excitement directly connected to the type of moving water viewed. The study used photographs and surveyed people to evaluate their emotional responses to images of water features. It tested those responses across the different images. The results showed significant difference in the pleasantness, excitements and peacefulness of the five water features. Respondents judged still water as the most peaceful and moving water as more exciting than still water. Flowing water had the lowest scores for pleasantness and peacefulness. People rated the jet as the most exciting and still water as the least exciting. The scientific results gave us a better sense of the human emotions evoked by water features. It informed us as to the validity of long-held theories of design. With this information, designers can more confidently apply appropriate principles for water feature designs in urban areas.
Jack L. Nasar (Advisor)
Jot D. Carpenter (Committee Member)
Deborah Y. Georg (Committee Member)
77 p.
Landscape Architecture

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Lin, Y.-H. (2000). Human Emotional Responses to Visual Aspects of Water Features [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1396351739

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Lin, Yi-hsuan. Human Emotional Responses to Visual Aspects of Water Features. 2000. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1396351739.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Lin, Yi-hsuan. "Human Emotional Responses to Visual Aspects of Water Features." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2000. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1396351739

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1396351739
331
© 2000, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.