A2 Review article, Literature review, Systematic review
In Defense of Cities : On Negative Presentation of Urban Areas in Environmental Preference Studies (2019)

Besson, A. (2019). In Defense of Cities : On Negative Presentation of Urban Areas in Environmental Preference Studies. Contemporary Aesthetics, 17, Article 861. https://contempaesthetics.org/newvolume/pages/article.php?articleID=861

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Besson, Anu

Journal or series: Contemporary Aesthetics

eISSN: 1932-8478

Publication year: 2019

Volume: 17

Article number: 861

Publisher: Contemporary Aesthetics

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

Persistent website address: https://contempaesthetics.org/newvolume/pages/article.php?articleID=861

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/75122

Abstract

This paper critiques a common research method, image-based studies, in assessing environmental preferences. The method is used, in particular, in the fields of environmental psychology, landscape studies, and health studies, here called empirical environmental preference studies or EEP studies. I argue that the established view in the EEP field that nature is inherently experienced as more aesthetically appealing and restorative than urban environments may be biased because of the image-based method. This paper presents a literature review of EEP studies, discussing them in a framework of environmental and everyday aesthetics. The conclusion is that EEP studies may strip cities of their physical, socio-cultural, and aesthetic layers; and comparing nature and cities as places of restoration may be unfruitful as our relationship with nature and urban environments is dissimilar.

Keywords: aesthetics; environmental aesthetics; urban environment; urban landscape; multisensory experience; preferences; research methods

Free keywords: aesthetics of ambience; aesthetics of engagement; environmental aesthetics; environmental preference studies; multi-sensory experience; urban environments

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Preliminary JUFO rating: 2