An analysis of psychological evaluation of views from high points by evaluation grid method (egm)

Abstract

This article is a fundamental study of the favorability of the townscape. Especially, the study aimed to clarify what kind of elements are most important and what kind of psychological impressions occur when subjects take in views from high points. Personal cognitive constructs of desirability were determined using the Evaluation Grid Method (EGM). Seven kinds of bird's-eye views were used, such as a townscape in which a rice field remains, a traditional residential section with tiled rooftops, and so on. These pictures were printed in A4 size with color and without color by laser printer. The results of this research showed that various imaginations are awakened by color images. From visual clues about the degree of modernity such as an electric wire, a steel tower, a bridge or a road, subjects understood the state of the natural environment of the town, ease of living and general atmosphere. Also, it was shown that factors such as the greenness of the plants, the newness (oldness) of buildings and the layout of buildings were key elements for estimation. The lucidity of scene structure and natural abundance participate in the likability of a bird's-eye view scene. It was shown that a mixture of traditional houses and new houses, agricultural land and residential/commercial establishments create a confused impression without a feeling of unification.