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Visual Analysis of the Height Ratio between Building and Background Vegetation. Two Rural Cases of Study: Spain and Sweden

Author

Listed:
  • Jacinto Garrido-Velarde

    (Department of Human Science, University of La Rioja, Logroño 26006, Spain)

  • María Jesús Montero-Parejo

    (Department of Graphics Design, University of Extremadura, Plasencia 10600, Spain)

  • Julio Hernández-Blanco

    (Department of Graphics Design, University of Extremadura, Plasencia 10600, Spain)

  • Lorenzo García-Moruno

    (Department of Graphics Design, University of Extremadura, Plasencia 10600, Spain)

Abstract

The perception of apparent sizes of buildings in a rural environment depends on the height ratio between the building and its surrounding vegetation, and it is this parameter which is currently used to assess the built landscapes. The impact of a contrasting height is less strong if the building does not exceed the horizon line. For buildings overshooting the skyline, the building’s level of sharpness and number of lines in contrast to the sky determines the impact of the scales, and vegetation in the background helps to reduce impact. The specific objectives of the present study were: (1) finding height–ratio thresholds between building and background vegetation, which may improve the integration of rural buildings in sky-sensitive locations, and; (2) comparing the results in two rural contexts with very different climatic conditions: Spain and Sweden. A survey of eighteen scenarios (nine Spanish and nine Swedish), all digitally modified with different relative height ratios between vegetation and buildings, was performed. The survey was evaluated by the public from both countries. Regardless of the country of origin, integration of the building was good or very good when the vegetation in background did not exceed one half of the height of the construction. These results may be translated to technical criteria for planning assessment.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacinto Garrido-Velarde & María Jesús Montero-Parejo & Julio Hernández-Blanco & Lorenzo García-Moruno, 2018. "Visual Analysis of the Height Ratio between Building and Background Vegetation. Two Rural Cases of Study: Spain and Sweden," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-17, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:8:p:2593-:d:159646
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Weijie Wang & Wei Wang & Moon Namgung, 2010. "Linking People's Perceptions and Physical Components of Sidewalk Environments—An Application of Rough Sets Theory," Environment and Planning B, , vol. 37(2), pages 234-247, April.
    2. Adrienne Grêt-Regamey & Ian D Bishop & Peter Bebi, 2007. "Predicting the Scenic Beauty Value of Mapped Landscape Changes in a Mountainous Region through the Use of GIS," Environment and Planning B, , vol. 34(1), pages 50-67, February.
    3. Ian D Bishop & JoAnna R Wherrett & David R Miller, 2000. "Using Image Depth Variables as Predictors of Visual Quality," Environment and Planning B, , vol. 27(6), pages 865-875, December.
    4. Jacinto Garrido Velarde & María Jesús Montero Parejo & Julio Hernández Blanco & Lorenzo García Moruno, 2017. "Use of Video and 3D Scenario Visualisation to Rate Vegetation Screens for Integrating Buildings into the Landscape," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(7), pages 1-14, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Lisiak-Zielińska, Marta & Jałoszyńska, Sylwia & Borowiak, Klaudia & Budka, Anna & Dach, Jacek, 2023. "Perception of biogas plants: A public awareness and preference - A case study for the agricultural landscape," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 217(C).
    2. María Jesús Montero-Parejo & Lorenzo García-Moruno & Julio Hernández-Blanco & Jacinto Garrido-Velarde, 2022. "Visual Impact Assessment in Rural Areas: The Role of Vegetation Screening in the Sustainable Integration of Isolated Buildings," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-20, September.
    3. Rui Alexandre Castanho & Carlos Santos & Gualter Couto, 2023. "Creative Tourism in Islands and Regional Sustainable Development: What Can We Learn from the Pilot Projects Implemented in the Azores Territory?," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-14, February.
    4. Hermawan Hermawan & Jozef Švajlenka, 2022. "Building Envelope and the Outdoor Microclimate Variable of Vernacular Houses: Analysis on the Environmental Elements in Tropical Coastal and Mountain Areas of Indonesia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-18, February.
    5. Jacinto Garrido Velarde & María Jesús Montero Parejo & Julio Hernández Blanco & Lorenzo García Moruno, 2019. "Using Native Vegetation Screens to Lessen the Visual Impact of Rural Buildings in the Sierras de Béjar and Francia Biosphere Reserve: Case Studies and Public Survey," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-17, May.
    6. María Jesús Montero-Parejo & Lorenzo García Moruno & Antonio Manuel Reyes Rodríguez & Julio Hernández Blanco & Jacinto Garrido Velarde, 2020. "Analysis of Façade Color and Cost to Improve Visual Integration of Buildings in the Rural Environment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-16, May.

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