Complexity of architectural silhouettes: from vague impressions to definite design features.
Nine 2-dimensional shapes were created that varied in four geometric factors: number of vertexes, symmetry, variation of lengths of line segments, and variation of angles. The shapes were evaluated in a paired-comparison experiment on the criterion of perceived complexity. Analysis of variance suggested that the most important predictor of shape complexity was the number of vertexes. P2/A (perimeter squared divided by the area) was also strongly correlated with judged complexity. Symmetry was a significant but weak predictor of complexity.
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Institute of Environmental Quality, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA. aestamps@ix.netcom.com
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001108:Architecture; D005160:Facility Design and Construction; D005260:Female; D005556:Form Perception; D006801:Humans; D007600:Judgment; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012107:Research Design