The effect of perceived novelty on aesthetic preference. Issue 3 (24th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Ronghua; Xu, Xiaolin; Li, Yue; Zhou, Chen; Zhao, Jingwei
• Is Part Of: Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers. Volume 172:Issue 3(2019:Jun.)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 28
• Publication Date: 2019-03-24
• Subjects: Aesthetic preference -- perceived novelty -- nature-based landscape -- landscape characteristics; City planning -- Periodicals; Urban policy -- Periodicals; Civil engineering -- Periodicals; 307.1216
• DOI: 10.1680/jurdp.18.00046
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-0793

Abstract

Abstract : Despite the fact that perceived novelty plays an important role in aesthetic preference and is an essential force driving people to visit a place, the literature has paid little attention to this topic. The relationship between perceived novelty and aesthetic preference is poorly known. In order to address this gap, this paper explores the effects of perceived novelty on aesthetic preference after 105 participants evaluated 16 photographs of nature-based landscapes. These photographs were taken in China and North America. The results indicate that: (1) there is a strong positive relationship between perceived novelty and aesthetic preference, also, perceived novelty has a close association with complexity or mystery; (2) two landscape characteristics, sky color and a natural river bank, contribute to an increase of the perceived novelty of a landscape; and (3) a natural river bank and fewer elements in a landscape enhance preference.