Differences in Visual Attraction between Historical Garden and Urban Park Walking Scenes

Abstract

Previous studies on visual perception and landscape element preference have mainly focused on urban green spaces such as parks and forests; the visual attraction potential of historical gardens has been less explored. Based on the analysis framework of the visual landscape experience, this study employed normalized eye-tracking data and preference questionnaires to compare the difference in visual attraction of typical walking scenes between historical gardens and urban parks. The results showed that in terms of landscape elements, the variation fluctuation of the fixation time on various landscape elements by participants viewing historical garden walking scenes (HGWSs) was less than for urban park walking scenes (UPWSs). Additionally, the visual perception scores of the former (i.e., fascinating, coherent, complex, and mysterious) were higher than the latter. In terms of the visual attention area, the visual exploration of HGWSs around the scene (i.e., top, bottom, left, and right) was longer than for UPWSs, while the latter’s central fixation time was longer than that of the former. The visual attraction of HGWSs was related to the foreground and middle ground, while that of UPWSs was related to the middle ground and background. Additionally, for policy makers and managers of urban green spaces, the recommendation of the present study was to consider and evaluate the differences between HGWSs and UPWSs in terms of visual attraction before policy establishment.

How does the landscape uniformity in different forest landscapes affect the visual behavior and preference evaluation intention of participants—a case study of forest landscape in northern China (Liaoning)

“…In addition, recent research results show that people spend a long time exploring the surroundings (top, bottom, left, and right sides), while they spend a long time fixated on the center of urban parks (Li and Huang, 2022). Plant form and species richness significantly affect people's fixation behavior, while the arrangement of plants has no significant effect (Shi et al, 2022).…”

“…In addition, scholars have also proven that eye-movement technology has become a mature technology that can be feasibly used in landscape research (Zadegan et al, 2008;Wang et al, 2016;Franěk et al, 2018;Li et al, 2020;Ding et al, 2022;Li and Huang, 2022). The eye collects external information, and 80% of environmental information can be obtained through the eye, thus eye movement is the basis of external environment perception (Gratzer and McDowell, 1971;Huang and Lin, 2019).…”

Exploring the Significance of Historic Gardens in Context to Cultural Diversity: The Case of the Royal Gardens of Punjab

“…While these gardens may not garner international or national recognition, their local significance is profound Li and Huang (2022) as they embody rich heritage values, serve as prominent recreational and touristic resources, and above all, reflect the unique image and identity of the respective regions Silva and Carvalho (2022). Protection, conservation and management of historic gardens is of paramount importance are regulated by ratified world conventions and charters as well as legislative frameworks developed by national authorities of respective countries Dreija (2012).…”