Methodological characteristics of research testing prospect–refuge theory: a comparative analysis

Dosen, Annemarie S.; Ostwald, Michael J.

doi:10.1080/00038628.2013.809689

Cited by 16 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…The first two of these factors are the most commonly tested, as they were the earliest proposed by Appleton (1975), while research into the latter pair is less common, and is often associated with Hildebrand's (1991Hildebrand's ( , 1999 identification of them as being equally significant in architecture and design. Importantly, this paper does not undertake a detailed review of the methods that have been used to test these factors, as the majority have already been examined from a methodological perspective (Dosen and Ostwald 2013b). Instead, the results of the thirtyfour studies are each classified in terms of whether their findings support the efficacy of each of the four factors, or are neutral, or contrary in terms of their role shaping environmental preference.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evidence for prospect-refuge theory: a meta-analysis of the findings of environmental preference research

Dosen

Ostwald

2016

City Territ Archit

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Background: Researchers in the field of spatial psychology and environmental preference theory have tested a range of claims about the capacity of certain spatial configurations to evoke a positive sense of wellbeing in observers. In parallel, across the landscape, urban, architectural and interior design disciplines, there has been a growing acceptance that a balance of spatial characteristics-including prospect, refuge, mystery and complexity-is desirable in a natural, urban or interior environment. Yet, the evidence that the design disciplines cite for the desirability of these characteristics is often entirely qualitative and only rarely acknowledges the results from the fields of spatial psychology and environmental preference theory. Methods:The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical overview of the results of quantitative research which has been undertaken into the veracity of prospect-refuge theory and closely associated aspects of environmental preference theory. This meta-analysis not only involves a review of the results, but also their broad classification to develop a more holistic picture of the field, its findings and any gaps. The purpose of this process is not, explicitly at least, to assess the believability or rigour of this past research, but rather to examine and classify the findings, both for and against prospect-refuge theory, in a way that is useful for the design disciplines. Results:Urban and interior studies supported the significance of prospect, and were more neutral about refuge. Studies related to natural environments provided evidence for the significance of both prospect and refuge, which has been linked to comfort, but also included evidence against and a neutral finding. More specifically for designers, the results for complexity seem to confirm that a degree of complexity in interior space is preferred, but they are unclear about how much or where it should be. The results for mystery are less emphatic with the majority being neutral or contrary. Discussion and Conclusions:The quantitative evidence for prospect-refuge theory remains inconsistent. It is especially problematic that the results which are most commonly cited in architecture relate to studies of natural environments, not interiors or urban environments. As this paper demonstrates, the results are most valid in specific venues.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evidence for prospect-refuge theory: a meta-analysis of the findings of environmental preference research

Dosen

Ostwald

2016

City Territ Archit

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“…Varoudis and Psarra, 2014), ceiling height (cf. Dosen and Ostwald, 2013a), or the views from the windows (Dosen and Ostwald, 2013b). These factors can have an immense effect on feeling safe, having a refuge or having an overview, a prospect.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Space Syntax's Relation to Seating Choices from an Evolutionary Approach

Keszei

Halász²,

Losonczi³

et al. 2019

Period. Polytech. Arch.

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Space syntax provides information on the probabilities of certain behaviour types (e.g., seating choice, movement) depending on the configuration of space. The evolutionary approach (e.g. Appleton’s prospect-refuge theory) in environmental psychology can help designers in creating spaces by providing a better understanding why certain parts of an open space or a building are avoided or occupied, why good "observation points" or "hiding places” are preferred. Our research aimed to explore how different space syntax variables predict specific behaviours – the seating choices of 216 participants – in a 3D virtual model of a lounge area and how the prospect-refuge theory relates to these predictions. The participants had to choose a seat in simulated spaces in two social situations, which differed in the degree of focused work and concentration: one of the situations implied seeing others and being seen, while the other highlighted focused work and hiding. The results show that there was a variation in the seating choices depending on the goal of the situation (user: trying to be seen or hiding). The expected significant correlations with the space syntax measurements were presented in the situations where being seen was the goal of the participants. However, in the situations where hiding was induced, our results need further clarification. Our future goal is to provide quantitative, evidence-based reflection on the prospect-refuge and space syntax theories, and to investigate the psychological factors (e.g., goal of the user) that need further consideration when applying these theories in the design practice.

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“…Mixed methods with surveys and isovists are also used together to uncover the relationships between perceptual properties and geometric properties. In particular, mathematical research using isovists with 2D or 3D models has been conducted to explore aspects of prospect-refuge theory by providing a quantitative explanation [12][13][14][15][16]. Therefore, valuables associated with visual properties are differentiated according to the observer (or observation point) or the visibility evaluation element.…”

Section: Manifestation Of Prospect-refuge Conceptmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Therefore, it has been pointed out that that future research should be improved by the use of advanced digital technology [2]. In addition, mathematical research using isovists and 2D or 3D models has been conducted to explore the prospect-refuge theory and to provide a quantitative explanation [12][13][14][15][16]. However, the analysis in these studies were limited to two dimensions, such as a plane or an elevation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Parametric Model for Window Design Based on Prospect-Refuge Measurement in Residential Environment

Hwang

Lee

2018

Sustainability

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As the concept of prospect-refuge defines a preferred environment, the spatial elements that provide good conditions for the catalyst of the theory have been extensively studied. The well-known architectural element of this theory is the window that optimizes visual openness to outdoor or enclosure from outdoor. The aim of this paper is to develop a design method for prospect-refuge condition by adjusting window design attributes. A parametric design model that measures spatial conditions and presents design alternatives for the window is proposed in two major phases. First, this paper explains a parametric model to generate design alternatives for a window according to its size, aspect ratio, location, and shape. In the second phase, the parametric algorithm is defined for the measurement of prospect-refuge with 3D visibility. As a result, we explore the impact of window design variables on average visibility and difference visibility of prospect and refuge area. Using the parametric design technology, the proposed method presents analytical techniques, considering spatial characteristics.

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Methodological characteristics of research testing prospect–refuge theory: a comparative analysis

Cited by 16 publications

References 25 publications

Evidence for prospect-refuge theory: a meta-analysis of the findings of environmental preference research

Evidence for prospect-refuge theory: a meta-analysis of the findings of environmental preference research

Space Syntax's Relation to Seating Choices from an Evolutionary Approach

Parametric Model for Window Design Based on Prospect-Refuge Measurement in Residential Environment

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