Exploring Environmental Distance Space from the Perspective of Cognitive Perception

Abstract

The design of “public space” in terms of distance is often different according to the preferences of designers, and most of them make reference to “ergonomics” behavior as the basis for designing space. The “distance” element is seldom explored in the way of perceptual spatial experience. In this study, the subjects were tested to distinguish the effect of the degree of surrounding perception of distance and analyzed the difference in spatial cognition of distance. At the same time, it investigated the difference in spatial cognition of distance among different personalities and whether the spatial cognition of distance was consistent after a change in venue distance. The study site chose a large plaza area to facilitate the exploration of the perception of differentiation at different distances to and fro. It was found that subjects’ spatial perceptions change with spatial distance, thus altering cognitive perceptions of previous distance. The results of the study showed that the subjects’ perceived distance to a part of the surrounding perception tended to increase during the round trip measurement, suggesting that although the subjects could adapt to such a space, they could not relieve their spatial cognition from the surrounding perception. Therefore, when designing the distance of the space, attention should be paid to the perception of people, especially in “public space” areas or medical places. In the public space of long-term activities, the surrounding perception is the consideration of the design space to the content of the activities, and the appropriate distance is a necessary element and also a key factor in the design field.