Water reflections on the social dimension of place: Different waterscapes and related activity patterns

44110

In this study, we determine the effects of different waterscapes on human psychology and how they influence the human activities in the surrounding environment. Based on this understanding, we underline some guiding principles to be used in designing more effective waterscapes, that better satisfy psychological necessities of people (such as social interaction, positive identity, spiritual prosperity) and better support the human activities taking place in the surrounding environment. Psychological effects of different waterscapes (such as energy boosting, exhilarating, tranquillizing, comforting) and their relationship with the activity context of the surrounding environment is investigated by means of visual questionnaires put together using video records. The resulting data from the questionnaires is analyzed to understand the roles played by still and active water components in characterizing the psychological effects of a waterscape and its influence on the surrounding activities. It is found out that different waterscapes have substantially different psychological effects on people and the effectiveness of a waterscape is highly dependent on the activity context of the surrounding environment. Capitalizing on these results, some important design principles that are deemed effective in designing waterscapes are presented.

148

Waterscapes , Psychological needs , Waterscape , Activity relationship

Turkish Journal of Forestry

157

Turkish Journal of Forestry