10/2021
(Un)conscious views – empirical study on visual perception of tectonic elements in architectural space
Are there analogies in individual, visual perception of tectonic elements in architectural interior space? If so, is it possible to locate them via eye-tracking-devices and assign them to different observer-groups and furthermore form a foundation of an architectural design?
Katharina Durstberger
Diploma in Architecture
E253-4 – Hochbau und Entwerfen
Supervisor: Ivica Brnic
Model picture – interior view
People move through their built environment; they enter squares, buildings and rooms. Experiencing these architectural structures comes hand in hand with visual perception which closely connects to spatial perception. Humans act as the observer in the centre from where they create relations between the surrounding elements. This spatial perception is highly individual, as it is shaped by previous experiences and cultural background. The thesis aims to find analogies in individual perception of tectonic elements in interior spaces. It further intends to answer the question of whether differences in spatial perception can be observed for non-professionals and professionals as well as between male and female observers. Therefore, a study with 27 participants was conducted. Two different, adapted images of the interior of the Edith-Stein-Kapelle were presented to them. Using an eye-tracking device the conscious and unconscious eye movements of each individual was tracked and translated into a visual representation. Differences in spatial perception were observed for different groups of participants. The study considers three assumptions: the first considers the second fixation of the eye which represents the first, unconscious view that illustrates a cognitive processing in the brain. (Fig. 1) To gain knowledge about this ongoing process, all fixations during the first five seconds of each participant were tracked. (Fig. 2) The second part of the thesis deals with the direct comparison between unconscious and conscious perception. To question but, as well, validate the first two parts of the thesis the third section considers the enormous contrast in the perception of empty and furnished interiors. (Fig. 3) The outcome of the study acts as the basis for a building design which illustrates the results: a spiritual place. The pavilion is located at the Wald der Ewigkeit, a natural cemetery in the woods at Sophienalpe in western Vienna. It represents moments of visual perception translated into an architectural building.
People move through their built environment; they enter squares, buildings and rooms. Experiencing these architectural structures comes hand in hand with visual perception which closely connects to spatial perception. Humans act as the observer in the centre from where they create relations between the surrounding elements. This spatial perception is highly individual, as it is shaped by previous experiences and cultural background. The thesis aims to find analogies in individual perception of tectonic elements in interior spaces. It further intends to answer the question of whether differences in spatial perception can be observed for non-professionals and professionals as well as between male and female observers. Therefore, a study with 27 participants was conducted. Two different, adapted images of the interior of the Edith-Stein-Kapelle were presented to them. Using an eye-tracking device the conscious and unconscious eye movements of each individual was tracked and translated into a visual representation. Differences in spatial perception were observed for different groups of participants. The study considers three assumptions: the first considers the second fixation of the eye which represents the first, unconscious view that illustrates a cognitive processing in the brain. (Fig. 1) To gain knowledge about this ongoing process, all fixations during the first five seconds of each participant were tracked. (Fig. 2) The second part of the thesis deals with the direct comparison between unconscious and conscious perception. To question but, as well, validate the first two parts of the thesis the third section considers the enormous contrast in the perception of empty and furnished interiors. (Fig. 3) The outcome of the study acts as the basis for a building design which illustrates the results: a spiritual place. The pavilion is located at the Wald der Ewigkeit, a natural cemetery in the woods at Sophienalpe in western Vienna. It represents moments of visual perception translated into an architectural building.
Diploma in Architecture
E253-4 – Hochbau und Entwerfen
Supervisor: Ivica Brnic
