Aesthetic Preferences Research Articles

EXPLORING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF HISTORIC GARDENS IN CONTEXT TO CULTURAL DIVERSITY: THE CASE OF THE ROYAL GARDENS OF PUNJAB

Historic gardens are a precious component of our cultural heritage and a valuable resource for understanding the past. They are tangible reflections of a society's values, beliefs, and practices offering glimpses into the aesthetic preferences, horticultural practices, and social values of bygone eras. These gardens often reflect the fusion of different cultural influences, acting as a visual tapestry of human creativity and ingenuity. To highlight the significance of historic gardens with regard to cultural diversity, this study examines the historical, cultural, botanical and architectural aspect of five famous royal gardens of Punjab that were originally created as private retreats of the Monarchs but now have been transformed into public spaces. Drawing upon archival research, scholarly literature, and site visits, the study delves into the architecture, symbolism, and historical context of each garden, revealing their unique cultural expressions. The argument put forth in the paper is that historic gardens are not just physical spaces but cultural artifacts that serve as a testament to the rich cultural diversity of the region, exposing visitors to a plethora of different artistic and cultural influences. This research highlights that historic gardens significantly contribute to cultural diversity and further facilitate cultural exchange and cultural education. The study further emphasizes the importance of valuing, preserving and valorizing historic gardens, not only for their continued relevance but for fostering cultural sustainability and enriching our collective heritage.

The Influence of Dominant Groups on Chinas Art Collectors and Contemporary Art Curatorial Practices

With the rapid development of Chinas economy, contemporary Chinese art has also achieved unprecedented breakthroughs. With the expansion of globalization and as a socialist country with the unique nature of Chinese characteristics, how do the curatorial practices of Chinese contemporary art develop in a complex social environment? This research explores the influence of dominant groups on Chinas art collectors and contemporary art curatorial practice based on the Frankfurt Schools critical theory. Furthermore, the research expands this theory to a broader context of China. The curatorial practices of Chinese contemporary art are deeply controlled by monopoly capital, which influences the aesthetic preferences of the public through the monopoly of popular culture. It borrows the hands of wealthy collectors to manipulate the art market. Political parties set boundaries for artistic creation through strict censorship. On the positive hand, censorship promotes the inheritance of traditional culture. By understanding that there is an invisible hand behind human cultural and artistic activities, to warn that the self-consciousness people believe is usually the result of being influenced by others language and behavior.

Analysis of appropriate approaches for healthy weight loss

The global prevalence of obesity has emerged as a significant public health concern, necessitating immediate attention and action in terms of prevention and treatment. As a result of China's enhanced level of living and societal advancement, there has been a discernible shift in people's aesthetic preferences. In contemporary times, there is a prevailing cultural preference among Chinese individuals for a slender physique, which has led numerous young women with an inclination towards aesthetics to resort to various methods in order to modify their body weight. Nevertheless, the impact of obesity extends beyond its aesthetic implications, encompassing a range of detrimental health conditions, notably including elevated blood glucose levels and heightened blood cholesterol levels. Hence, it is of paramount importance to mitigate the underlying factors contributing to obesity. This study uses a literature review method to elucidate the optimal approach to weight loss. This study elucidates the etiology of obesity, delineates the various origins of obesity, and subsequently explores strategies to mitigate and prevent obesity. It begins by examining the fundamental reasons of obesity, followed by an analysis of dietary choices that promote optimal energy intake. Additionally, it delves into the role of physical activity as a pivotal approach to weight loss, serving as a gateway to understanding effective methods for managing and curbing obesity. This study aims to enhance comprehension of the concept of obesity, while simultaneously offering references within the realm of effective weight management strategies. Additionally, it seeks to contribute further insights into the global issue of obesity.

Investigating Aesthetic Preferences in Wearable Devices via the Unified Model of Aesthetics: A Review

Investigating Aesthetic Preferences in Wearable Devices via the Unified Model of Aesthetics: A Review

Investigating Aesthetic Preferences in Wearable Devices via the Unified Model of Aesthetics: A Review

Investigating Aesthetic Preferences in Wearable Devices via the Unified Model of Aesthetics: A Review

Effects of forest spatial types, element compositions and forest stands on restorative potential and aesthetic preference

IntroductionAs global urbanization intensifies, the physical and mental stressors of modern life have led to the growing prevalence of suboptimal health conditions. Spending time in a forest benefits human health and well-being. In this context, based on the forest spatial types (forest interior and forest edge spaces), landscape elements (architecture, water and roads) and forest stands (coniferous, broadleaf and bamboo forests), this study investigated the effects of different forest spatial landscape characteristics on the restorative potential for college students, aesthetic preference and eye movement behavior (total fixation duration and fixation count).MethodsIn this study, a total of 60 subjects were exposed to 42 photographs depicting typical forest landscapes acquired through field studies. The Short-version Revised Restoration and Preference Scale and eye-tracking technology, were employed to study the recovery efficiency and visual attraction of forest spatial of different forest spatial types, element compositions and forest stands.Results(1) The restorative potential and aesthetic preference score of forest edge spaces were significantly higher than those of forest interior spaces. (2) The restorative potential of bamboo forests was significantly higher than those of coniferous and broadleaf forests. (3) In terms of forest interior space, the restorative potential of “forest + 1 element” composition and “forest + 2 elements” composition was significantly higher than that of pure forest, and the restorative potential of interior space of bamboo forest was significantly higher than those of coniferous and broadleaf forests. (4) In terms of forest edge space, the restorative potential of “forest + 2 elements” composition was significantly higher than that of pure forest, and the restorative potential of pure forests was significantly higher than that of the “forest + 1 element” composition. (5) The restorative potential of forest spatial landscape characteristics positively correlated with aesthetic preference and negatively correlated with total fixation duration and fixation count. These results can provide a reference for future forest landscape research, construction and management.

The Ukrainian Identity of the Calligraphy of Grigory Skovoroda in the Context of Multi-scriptural Writing

The purpose of the study: Conduct a paleographic and cultural analysis of Hryhorii Skovoroda’s manuscripts. To find and describe the most characteristic letters and calligraphic methods inherent in the philosopher, and to emphasize the features of the eighteenth-century handwriting in general. To form a paleographic database of letters that can be used to create fonts and designs for modern projects that emphasize the aesthetics of the Ukrainian Baroque. Research methods. Systematization of scientific sources, artistic analysis, synthesis and generalization of the obtained results, method of comparative analysis, creation of a paleographic database and systematization of empirical material based on it. Scientific novelty. For the first time in Ukrainian science, the manuscripts and handwriting of Hryhorii Skovoroda were examined from the point of view of paleographic and calligraphic analysis in the context of multicultural influences of the European and Greek writing traditions. Characteristic features of Hryhorii Skovoroda’s handwriting have been identified, which can be used to determine the attribution of certain texts to the philosopher. Based on this research, practising calligraphers and type designers can create inscriptions and fonts in the style of the Ukrainian philosopher. Conclusions. The individuality of the philosopher’s handwriting reflected not only the philosophical view of the author, his character and aesthetic preferences, but also the multicultural spirit of the late Ukrainian Baroque era. The study of Skovoroda’s calligraphy made it possible to fill the gap in the little-studied field of paleography related to eighteenth-century writing and aesthetics and to give impetus to the representation of these results in contemporary design and typeface projects. However, it is not enough to explore the visual connections between Skovoroda’s handwriting and artistic preferences, it is important to continue the started line of style and use this aesthetic of letters in the modern context of searching of the Ukrainian identity.

Scientific background impact on aesthetic perception in residential environments

This study focuses on examining the aesthetic preferences of students from different academic backgrounds in residential environments. The purpose of the study was to identify liked and disliked aesthetic characteristics among student groups with different academic backgrounds. The research involved students from various academic backgrounds, including the Departments of Architectural, Civil, Electrical Engineering, and the Department of Arabic Language. The study employed an appropriate factor analysis method to accurately assess the aesthetic quality. The study found that students’ academic backgrounds significantly affect their aesthetic sense. Architecture students have a strong ability to evaluate works of art and engineering projects effectively. Some aesthetic characteristics, such as movement, harmony, and simplicity, are preferred across all student groups, while others, such as excessive complexity and rigidity, are disliked. The research also suggests that designers should consider the preferences of different resident groups when creating environments. Furthermore, the study found that most student groups, except for architecture students, exhibit great admiration for Western architectural styles with contemporary, non-traditional characteristics. Overall, the study provides new insights into the aesthetic preferences of students in residential environments and identifies visually desirable and undesirable attributes that most students agree upon.

Ondes Martenot at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1937

The purpose of the study is to reveal the figurative, semantic and symbolic specificity of the interpretation of the timbre of "Ondes Martenot" in line with the musical, cultural, and socio-political guidelines of the World Exhibition in Paris in 1937. Research methodology. Cultural-historical, interdisciplinary historical-cultural, as well as analytical-musicological methods were essential for this work. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the fact that it introduces for the first time into the circulation of art historians the materials related to the musical component of the artistic events of the Paris World Exhibition of 1937, voiced, including with the help of the timbralness of the "Ondes Martenot", which became the personification of the union of art and technology as a leading symbol of its shares. Conclusions. Interwar France, being at the edge of a difficult socio-political and cultural situation, grasped at the saving idea for it – the holding of another "World's Fair" in 1937, the slogan of which was chosen as the thesis – "Art and technology in modern life". Achieving the set goals and demonstrating to the whole world the high-tech side of France's existence became possible thanks to the musical part of the exhibition, namely "concert-performances" and night shows on the banks of the Seine – "Holidays of sound, water and light". An important component of most of these presentations is the electronic musical instrument "Ondes Martenot". As a result, the popularity of "concert-performances" and night extravaganzas "Saint of Light", the essential component of which were the spiritual and mysterious timbral features of the "Ondes Martenot", stimulated the aesthetic preferences of modernist composers. It was during this period that a significant part of the musical repertoire was created for this instrument, which was always connected precisely with the sphere of the Sacred and the Cosmic. This also marked the leading spiritual, social, and aesthetic guidelines of the World Exhibition of 1937, which, in the most difficult political situation on the eve of the Second World War, tried, including through the diverse involvement of the timbrality of the "Ondes Martenot" involved in the mysterious spectacular actions of this project, unite the human community and avoid global catastrophe.
 Keywords: World Exhibition in Paris in 1937, "Feasts of sound, water and light", "concerts-spectacles", Ondes Martenot.

Draw to shade: A personalized daylighting regulation method through user-involved paintings for enhanced indoor visual comfort and aesthetics experience

The natural lighting plays a pivotal role in people's physical and mental well-being when people stay indoors for a long time. However, due to construction, appearance and attributes differences of built buildings, and various occupants' aesthetic preference, shading design fail to provide adaptive personalized scheme for visual comfort improvement and occupant aesthetics experience. Inspired by the concept of “draw to shade”, this study proposes a user-involved method to generate paintings with opaque and transparent blocks to regulate daylighting indoors by combining multi-objective daylight simulation and occupant-interactive AI creation platform. As a result, the method reduces the daylight glare probability (DGP) with an efficiency of 8.30%–64.2%, while controlling hourly Useful Daylight Illuminance (hUDI) within an acceptable range. We also demonstrate a fabrication via concept of fluid fibers to explore the application space of the method. Overall, the study can inspire more research on daylight regulation, while taking into account performance, aesthetics and application, to enable people improve visual comfort at individual aesthetic will in different spaces.

Influence of lip position on esthetics perception with respect to profile divergence using silhouette images

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to determine the facial divergence and lip position combinations that are most and least preferred, and to investigate whether age or gender has an impact on these preferences.MethodsThe current investigation was carried out on a sample of 1077 individuals who were not experts in the field (253 men and 824 females). The research employed black silhouette photographs of profiles featuring different lip locations and profile divergences. The recruitment of participants was conducted in order to assess the attractiveness of the profiles, employing a Likert scale. The various positions of the lips and variations in facial profiles were thoroughly categorized. Results were analyzed using the Chi-square test.ResultsThe findings of the research demonstrated that aesthetic perceptions displayed diversity when considering different lip locations and profile divergences. It was shown that neutral lip positions were predominantly favored, accounting for approximately 40.2% of the total frequencies in the anterior diverging group. It is noteworthy to highlight the aesthetically pleasing features exhibited by those with the most prominent lip position, occurring at a frequency of 10.9% in straight-diverging group. In the posterior divergent group, the most protruded lip position, showed very attractive aesthetics with frequency (7.1%). Gender, age, region, and level of education had significant influence on aesthetic perception.ConclusionsThe variety of aesthetic preferences is influenced by the location of the lips and the divergence of the facial profile, resulting in different outcomes within the categories of anterior, straight, and posterior divergence. Clinicians are advised to customize the treatment regimen in order to correspond with the unique desires and preferences of the patient.

Asian facial recontouring surgery

Most East Asian women prefer a smaller and smoother facial contour. To meet this aesthetic preference, the concept and surgical techniques of modern facial bone contouring surgery have evolved. Initially, facial bone contouring surgery was limited to procedures like mandibular angle and malar reductions. However, contemporary Asian facial bone contouring surgery now places a stronger emphasis on addressing the entire facial profile from a three-dimensional perspective, a concept referred to as Profiloplasty. In this article, we review the evolution of surgical techniques in Asian facial bone contouring surgery and present its current surgical concepts, particularly focusing on the three-dimensional aspects.

Research on the Preference of Public Art Design in Urban Landscapes: Evidence from an Event-Related Potential Study

As urbanization quickens, the role of public art in urban landscape design gains prominence. Nevertheless, how stylistic characteristics of landscape public art affect aesthetic preferences remains insufficiently discussed, particularly with objective assessment methods. The use of event-related potential (ERP) can offer neurophysiological evidence to support research and practice in landscape art design. We employed a 2 (artistic features) × 2 (professional proficiency) repeated-measures design, involving abstract and figurative experimental stimuli; both experts and non-experts participated, with their aesthetic reactions and relevant electroencephalographic data recorded. Behavioral findings show a preference for figurative public artworks regardless of professional background. From neurophysiological outcomes, stimuli elicit an elevated N100 during early perceptual processing, signifying increased attentional resources. During aesthetic processing, figurative stimuli more effectively evoke positive emotions, particularly among professionals, yielding a heightened P200 response. Conversely, abstract stimuli may evoke a higher N200 amplitude, reflecting augmented negative biases. Nevertheless, non-experts exhibit no marked differences in their stimulus responses during aesthetic processing. Research indicates that low-level physical attributes of public artworks are initially noted, while the visual processing of artistic traits lies at a higher perceptual level, necessitating specialized expertise involvement. Furthermore, the complexity of visual perceptual processing plays a significant role in the assessment of landscape art preferences. This study not only offers crucial reference indices for designing urban landscapes that satisfy diverse public aesthetic needs but also lays the foundation for neural techniques to assess landscape design preferences and expands the field of landscape design research.

The mountain-viewing trend in private gardens of the Song dynasty

This study analyses Song dynasty garden documents and paintings and identifies three methods to create mountain-viewing experiences in private gardens. The landscaping techniques, aesthetic sensibilities, and cultural implications of each method are discussed, and the evolution of the mountain-viewing tradition is examined. Due to changes in natural conditions and the influence of royalty, mountains and stones as garden design elements held greater significance under the Southern Song dynasty than the Northern Song dynasty, with marked changes in mountain-building techniques, appreciation of stones, aesthetic preferences, and the professional esteem of designing gardens. Mountain-viewing pavilions became more prevalent during the Southern Song dynasty because the Song people deeply revered scholar Tao Yuanming. This paper contributes to Chinese landscaping history literature by showing how and why the mountain-viewing trend grew and how the Song dynasty influenced garden landscaping in China.

Let's put a smile on that face-A positive facial expression improves aesthetics of portrait photographs.

In today's age of social media and smartphones, portraits-such as selfies or pictures of friends and family-are very frequently produced, shared and viewed images. Despite their prevalence, the psychological factors that characterize a 'good' photo-one that people will generally like, keep, and think is especially aesthetically pleasing-are not well understood. Here, we studied how a subtle change in facial expression (smiling) in portraits determines their aesthetic image value (beyond a more positive appearance of the depicted person). We used AI-based image processing tools in a broad set of portrait photographs and generated neutral and slightly smiling versions of the same pictures. Consistent across two experiments, portraits with a subtle smile increased both spontaneous aesthetic preferences in a swiping task as well as improving more explicit aesthetic ratings after prolonged viewing. Participants distinguished between aspects associated with image beauty and the depicted person's attractiveness, resulting in specific interactions between variables related to participant traits, image content, and task. Our study confirms that a subtle-and in this case fully artificial-smile reliably increases the aesthetic quality of portraits, illustrating how current image processing methods can target psychologically important variables and thereby increase the aesthetic value of photographs.

Exploring The Aesthetic Preference for Stepped Seat in Landscape Based on Evolutionary Aesthetics and Neuroaesthetics

Exploring The Aesthetic Preference for Stepped Seat in Landscape Based on Evolutionary Aesthetics and Neuroaesthetics

Preference for multi-layered, flowering, woody streetscape plantings in a mediterranean-type climate

Urban vegetation provides many social and environmental benefits, yet integrating diverse vegetation into urban areas can be difficult due to spatial and financial constraints. Naturalistic streetscape plantings have gained popularity as a method to improve vegetation diversity without requiring additional land or maintenance costs. In temperate climates, these plantings are typically meadow-style and informed by research on people’s preferences. Yet in mediterranean-type climates, naturalistic plantings reflect shrub-dominated native vegetation, for which public aesthetic preferences are largely unknown. To address this gap we conducted an online survey in Perth, Australia where respondents (n = 985) rated their preferences for 32 computer-generated images of public streetscape, naturalistic, woody plantings that differed in structure (low (<1 m), mid, and upper (>2 m)), flower presence, foliage colour, and visual symmetry. These were compared to an image of low-input lawn, representing a typical local government-maintained streetscape. We also assessed how environmental worldviews, plant knowledge, demographics, and suburb scale tree cover influenced preferences. Naturalistic woody plantings were liked by 88%, and lawn disliked by 87% of respondents. The most preferred aspects of naturalistic plantings were multiple structural layers, flowers, and both green and grey foliage. Positive preferences for naturalistic plantings and dislike of lawn were stronger from respondents with pro-environmental worldviews, greater plant knowledge, and who resided in suburbs with higher tree cover. Therefore, we recommend naturalistic woody plantings as a publicly acceptable method to improve streetscape quality. Overall, this research provides insights into the nexus between social and ecological values of streetscape plantings for the planning and design of sustainable urban greening in a warming, drying mediterranean-type climate.

What drives our aesthetic attraction to birds?

In the Anthropocene, the era when the imprint of humans on nature is pervasive across the planet, it is of utmost importance to understand human relationships with other species. The aesthetics of nature, and of species, is one of the values that plays a role in shaping human-nature relationships. Birds are ubiquitous across the world. The beauty of birds exerts a powerful tug on human emotions, and bird-rich areas attract scores of eco-tourists. People naturally find some birds more beautiful or interesting than others, but we currently lack a global understanding of the specifics of what makes a species aesthetically attractive. Here, we used a global citizen-science database on bird attractiveness covering nearly all extant bird species, to show that there are specific visual features that drive our aesthetic appeal for some bird species over others. First, our aesthetic attraction is highest for smaller birds with specific, vivid colors (e.g., blue and red, and departing from brown-grey) and extreme ornaments (a long crest or tail). Second, our aesthetic attraction is highest for species with broad ranges, possibly because such species may be more familiar to us. The features that make us attracted to a particular bird strongly align with broad human visual aesthetic preferences in modern society. Unveiling the visual features underpinning our aesthetic attraction to birds is a critical step towards optimizing conservation (e.g., via conservation marketing) and education campaigns, and leverage the cultural ecosystem service potential of birds.

Herbaceous ornamental plants with conspicuous aesthetic traits contribute to plant invasion risk in subtropical urban parks

Global ornamental horticulture is a major pathway for plant invasions, while urban parks are key areas for introducing non-native ornamental plants. To react appropriately to the challenges (e.g., biological invasion issues) and opportunities (e.g., urban ecosystem services) of herbaceous ornamentals in urban parks, we conducted a comprehensive invasive risk assessment in 363 urban parks in Chongqing, a subtropical city in China. The results found more than 1/3 of the 119 non-native species recorded in urban parks had a high invasion risk, and more than five species had potential invasion risk in 96.29% of the study area, indicating herbaceous ornamentals in urban parks are potentially a pool of invasive species that deserves attention. Moreover, humans have chosen herbaceous ornamentals with more aesthetic characteristics in urban parks, where exotic species were more prominent than native species in floral traits, such as more conspicuous flowers and longer flowering periods. The findings can inform urban plant management, provide an integrated approach to assessing herbaceous ornamentals' invasion risk, and offer insights into understanding the filtering effects of human aesthetic preferences.

On how natural and urban soundscapes alter brain activity during cognitive performance

Listening to natural or urban soundscapes has previously been shown to differentially modulate performance in a subsequent cognitive task. The present study inquired the effect of listening to urban (traffic and machinery noise) vs. natural (birds, water and wind) soundscapes on cognitive performance, mood, stress reactivity and the consequences for brain activity during a cognitive task assessed before and after soundscape exposure. In a randomized experiment, 30 participants were exposed to three conditions on three separate testing days: urban, natural and no soundscape. Before and after the functional MRI session participants performed a dual n-back, a backward digit span task and filled out mood, stress reactivity and aesthetic preference questionnaires. The natural soundscapes did lead to better cognitive performance however, the effect did not reach significance. Exposure to the natural soundscapes resulted in a significant decrease of negative affect and participants rated them as significantly more aesthetic. On the brain level, listening to the urban soundscape was associated with an increase in superior temporal gyrus (STG) activity during the subsequent dual n-back task. However, this result was statistically not corrected and remains exploratory in nature. This result could potentially hint at information processing becoming less efficient in early primary sensory area as a result of exposure to the urban soundscape. Correlations between affect/cognition and task related brain activity revealed clusters in the attention-network.