Herzog, H. & O.L. Leverich, 2003, Searching for legibility, in: Environment and Behavior, , 4
- Author : Herzog, H. & O.L. Leverich
- Year : 2003
- Journal/Series : Environment and Behavior
- Volume Number (ANNUAL: Counting Volumes of the Year shown above) : 4
- Pages : 459-477
- Abstract in English : Legibility has been ineffective as a predictor of environmental preference primarily because of its correlation with another predictor, coherence. The authors tried to separate two predictors by careful selection of field/forest settings and by using non traditional definitions. For the forest category, the authors suggest that legibility was clearly a more effective predictor than coherence. It would appear that their may be something special about forest settings that makes legibility a more salient predictor of preference than coherence. This examination of the forest setting, after ranking them for legibility, suggest that the additional ingredient in legibility that makes it so salient in such settings may be visual access, the ability to see into the distance without having one’s view hindered or blocked. Although further research is needed, the authors suggest some implications for planners and policy makers. Given the desirability of legibility, it is suggested that for relatively enclosed settings, both distinctive landmarks and a reasonable degree of visual access are important planning goals. Because natural elements are often integral parts of urban landscaping, similar comments would apply to the use of nature in relatively small-scale urban settings.
- Comments/Notes : KEYWORDS: legibility, coherence, preference, visual access, quality, landscape design, urban forestry. UTILITY: lecturers/teachers, academic research.