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Image statistics substantiate Gaudí's naturalistic design principles

Nordström, Karin1; Dyakova, Olga2; Benedict, Christian2

Published May 20, 2025 on Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.qfttdz0qf

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Abstract

Human observers perceive natural scenes differently from man-made environments, and this distinction can be quantified using image statistics. However, there is limited evidence on how the architectural style of buildings influences these statistics and, consequently, visual perception. Understanding this relationship is crucial, as architectural design shapes our visual and psychological experience of built environments. The amplitude spectrum slope reflects the sharpness and detail of the image. This measure tends to be closer to 1 among photographs of natural scenes compared to those of man-made objects. Additionally, photographs with higher entropy, indicating increased unpredictability and information, are more likely to capture attention. In the present study, we examined photographs of buildings designed by Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926), known for his nature-inspired creations. Our analysis reveals that photographs of Gaudí's buildings exhibited an average amplitude spectrum slope more aligned with natural scenes than contemporary structures, along with higher image entropy, indicating greater visual complexity. Notably, the presence of trees in front of contemporary buildings enhances their naturalistic qualities, reflected in shifts in amplitude spectrum slope and entropy toward values characteristic of natural scenes. These findings suggest that integrating naturalistic design elements into architecture can modify image statistics, potentially influencing perception and aesthetic experience.