Re-Examination of "Cultural Difference" in Environmental Perception

Ryuzo Ohno (Tokyo Institute of Technology)

Environmental perception, with a few exceptions, has generally been studied mostly in the Wes as a universal phenomenon. Some however claimed that environmental perception may not be as universal and that perceptions and ability to perceive might differ. The question of whether there are cultural differences in environmental perception is a legitimate one and is re-examined here.

We first review the characteristic features of Japanese art, architecture and landscape based on remarks of art critics, architects and psychologists, and show several examples of design that demonstrate such features as a preference for asymmetrical composition and emphasis on detail rather than whole structure. Second, we examine what are the spatial and temporal concepts behind these features. One is the design process that begins with a part, and adds the neighboring parts carefully considering the local order and balance with existing parts. This action is repeated and accumulated to create the whole. This sequential construction process inherently results in asymmetrical form of architecture and landscape. Third, we describe the possible influence of the spatial and temporal concepts/ideas of culture on Environmental Design Research approaches in Japan.

Combining object-oriented perception and larger field vision we developed equipment and ways of conducting studies on and recording the specifics of environmental perception. We also examined how the design and character of the environment affect perception and expectations, for example, the Japanese circuit-style garden to understand perceptions of that environment. Learnings based on several studies conducted over a period of years will be presented.