Search Results (103)

This article reimagines Hispanidad as a flexible cultural repertoire rather than a fixed ideology, examining how Francoism, after 1945, staged official doctrine as public spectacle that then served as “evidence” of its own legitimacy. Through a combined lens of political theology (Schmitt on decision and secularization) and media theory (Benjamin on the aestheticization of politics; Agamben on glory and acclamation), it analyzes Juan de Orduña’s Alba de América (1951) and its paratexts to show how National-Catholic principles—unity of faith and language, providential destiny, and obedience-based authority—were translated into affect through narrative voice, emblematic staging, liturgical music, and choreographed acclamation. Although the film underperformed commercially, it thrived institutionally, excerpted in newsreels and rebroadcast annually on October 12 as a ritual object of state culture. The article argues that spectacle in Francoist Spain functioned not only as propaganda but also as a mechanism for stabilizing power by shaping collective memory and everyday habits, revealing how aesthetic form can naturalize political authority and offering a model for analyzing the everyday workings of power across media and regimes. Full article

The construction sector is a major contributor to climate change, with embodied carbon emissions from building materials representing a critical share of its environmental footprint. Selecting zero-carbon materials is therefore essential for reducing life-cycle emissions while advancing global climate goals. This study investigates six decision-making factors, including cost-effectiveness, durability, buildability, embodied carbon, availability, and aesthetics, and evaluates four alternative materials (wood, hemp, rammed earth, and straw bale) in the New Zealand context. A survey of 203 industry professionals was analysed using descriptive statistics, one-sample t-tests, and structural equation modelling (SEM). Using a 5-point Likert scale, the survey assessed six factors affecting material choice: cost-effectiveness, durability, buildability, embodied carbon, aesthetics, and material availability. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using SEM via Partial Least Squares analysis. The results revealed that embodied carbon and material availability were the most influential factors shaping zero-carbon material selection. Among the available alternatives, hemp emerged as the most preferred material, while cost-effectiveness and wood showed moderate impacts, and aesthetic considerations had the least influence. These findings highlight that environmental performance and practical accessibility are central drivers of decision-making when adopting zero-carbon materials. This study contributes to developing effective strategies for promoting the widespread adoption of zero-carbon materials, thereby supporting New Zealand’s progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Full article

High-rise building facades offer an alternative site for installing photovoltaic panels, which are traditionally placed on rooftops. The unique spatial configuration of high-rise buildings, characterized by a small footprint area relative to their height, supports the application of vertical facades for this purpose. Photovoltaic panels installed in these areas not only generate electricity but also enhance the aesthetic dimension of the urban landscape. The proposed methodology uses the EnergyPlus software to simulate the electricity generation of photovoltaic panels mounted on the walls of high-rise buildings in the city of Kragujevac, Serbia. A technical, economic, and environmental analysis was conducted for two scenarios: (1) photovoltaic panels installed on two facade areas with the highest solar potential, and (2) photovoltaic panels installed on all four available facade areas. In Scenario 1, the annual reduction in electricity consumption, annual cost savings in electricity consumption, and investment payback period range from 13 to 38%, 11 to 31%, and 8.4 to 10.6 years, respectively. In Scenario 2, these values range from 23 to 58%, 18 to 47%, and 10.9 to 12.9 years, respectively. The results indicate that southeast and southwest facades consistently achieve higher levels of electricity generation, underscoring the importance of prioritizing high-performing orientations rather than maximizing overall surface coverage. The methodology is particularly efficient for analyzing the solar potential of numerous buildings with comparable shapes, which is a characteristic commonly found in Eastern European architecture from the late 20th century. The study demonstrates the applicability of the proposed methodology as a practical and adaptable tool for assessing early-stage solar potential and providing decision support in urban energy planning. The approach addresses the identified methodological gap by offering a low-cost, flexible framework for assessing solar potential across diverse urban contexts and building typologies, while significantly simplifying the modeling process. Full article

Architectural heritage, as a highly symbolized medium of cultural expression, plays a vital role in transmitting collective memory and shaping intercultural tourism experiences. Yet, how visitors from diverse cultural backgrounds perceive and emotionally respond to Chinese architectural symbols remains insufficiently understood. This study addresses this gap by integrating architectural semiotics with cross-cultural psychology to examine perceptual differences across three visitor groups—Mainland China and Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan (C), East and Southeast Asia (A), and Europe/North America (UA)—at eleven representative Chinese heritage sites. Drawing on 235 in-depth interviews and 1500 online reviews, a mixed-methods design was employed, combining semantic network analysis, grounded theory coding, and affective clustering. The findings reveal that memory structures and cultural contexts shape symbolic perception, that cultural dimensions and affective orientations drive divergent emotional responses, and that interpretive pathways of architectural symbols vary systematically across groups. Specifically, Group C emphasizes collective memory and identity, and Group A engages through structural analogies and regional resonance, while Group UA favors aesthetic form and immersive experiences. These insights inform culturally adaptive strategies for heritage presentation, including memory-anchored curation, comparative cross-regional interpretation, and immersive digital storytelling. By advancing a micro-level model of “architectural symbol–perceptual theme–emotional response–perceptual mechanism,” this research not only enriches theoretical debates on cross-cultural heritage perception but also offers practical guidance for inclusive and resonant heritage interpretation in a global tourism context. Full article

Background: Genioplasty is a well-established surgical technique for reshaping the chin and enhancing facial harmony. However, conventional fixation methods may present biomechanical and aesthetic limitations. Objective: This study introduces and evaluates a novel Anatomical Chin Plate (ACP), designed to enhance mechanical performance and facial aesthetics compared to the conventional chin plate (CP). Methods: A three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted to compare stress distribution in ACP and CP models under a standardized oblique load of 60 N, simulating muscle forces from the mentalis and digastric muscles. Plates were modeled using Blender and analyzed using ANSYS software 2025 r2. Mechanical behavior was assessed based on von Mises stress, concentration sites, and potential for plastic deformation or fatigue failure. Results: The ACP demonstrated a significantly lower maximum von Mises stress (77.19 MPa) compared to the CP (398.48 MPa). Stress distribution in the ACP was homogeneous, particularly around the lateral fixation holes, while the CP exhibited concentrated stress between central screw holes. These findings indicate that the anatomical geometry of the ACP enhances load dispersion, reduces critical stress concentrations, and minimizes fatigue risk. Conclusions: The ACP design offers superior biomechanical behavior and improved aesthetic potential for genioplasty procedures. Its optimized shape allows for better integration with facial anatomy while providing stable fixation. Further studies are recommended to validate in vitro performance and explore clinical applicability in advanced genioplasty and complex osteotomies. Full article

This research is an in-depth qualitative case study of a historic homestead in the town of Čekiškė, located in Lithuania, through the lens of sustainability aesthetics and cultural ecology. The research addresses a gap in the literature where aesthetic expressions of sustainability are predominantly examined in urban settings, while rural hybrid environments, intertwining urban and traditional features, remain underexplored. The homestead, with architectural and landscape features dating back to the early 20th century, was studied across four temporal stages: the interwar period (1922–1946), the early Soviet period (1946–1976), late Soviet to post-independence (1976–2021), and the period of a proposed vision for its sustainable development (2025 and beyond). The theoretical framework developed and applied in this research combines four complementary approaches: (1) the cultural ecology model by J. Steward, (2) environmental ethics trends (egocentrism, homocentrism, biocentrism, ecocentrism), (3) the principles of biophilic design, and (4) the ecological aesthetics framework by M. DeKay. Data collection included continuous qualitative in-depth on-site observations, analysis of the relevant literature sources, archival documents and photographs, and the recording of information in photographs and drawings. The findings reveal nuanced and evolving aesthetic expressions of sustainability tied to cultural practices, land use, ownership attitudes, and environmental perception. While earlier periods of development of the analyzed homestead reflected utilitarian and homocentric relations with the environment, later stages showed increased detachment from ecological sensitivity, resulting in the degradation of both material and intangible heritage; future perspectives of the homestead being transformed into a private museum, actualizing heritage through sustainability aesthetics, were also presented. The study highlights the role of tacit knowledge and lived experience in shaping hybrid sustainable aesthetics and provides insights for design and landscape planning in rural and small town heritage contexts. The research reveals that sustainability aesthetics in rural hybrid spaces is shaped by a confluence of environmental adaptation, socio-cultural transitions, and embedded values. It argues for a more context-sensitive and historically aware approach to sustainability discourse, particularly in heritage conservation and rural development. Full article

Natural playgrounds have garnered growing attention as supportive environments for children’s mental health. This study develops an analytical framework grounded in affordance theory and incorporates the Pleasure–Arousal–Dominance (PAD) model to examine the relationships between physical environmental features—and their combinations—in natural playgrounds and children’s emotional perceptions. Using the Yunhu Natural Playground in Fuzhou, China, as a case study, we selected seven typical behavior setting units. Environmental features were assessed through UAV imagery and on-site observations, while PAD-based visual questionnaires were employed to collect emotional responses from 159 children. By applying correlation analysis, random forest, and regression tree models, this study identified key environmental predictors of children’s emotional responses and revealed heterogeneous mechanisms across the three emotional dimensions. The results indicated that seasonal flowering/fruiting plants, accessible lawns, and structured play facilities were critical in supporting children’s pleasure, arousal, and dominance. Specifically, pleasure was primarily associated with sensory enjoyment and contextual aesthetics, arousal favored open grassy areas, and dominance was linked to environments with clear structure and manipulability. Based on these findings, this study proposes a spatial configuration strategy characterized by “nature as foundation, play encouraged, and structure clarified” to promote the positive development of children’s multidimensional emotional experiences. This research contributes empirical evidence on the role of physical environmental features in supporting children’s play behaviors and expands the theoretical understanding of the “emotional effects” of green spaces. While the findings are exploratory and context-specific, they emphasize the critical role of the sensory–behavioral–emotional chain in shaping children’s well-being and provide theoretical and practical guidance for the design of emotionally supportive, child-friendly, natural play environments in schools, parks, and residential areas. Full article

As China’s housing market shifts from quantity expansion to quality improvement, consumer expectations for both functionality and aesthetics in residential products are rising. Drawing on the Stimulus–Organism–Response (S-O-R) framework, this study develops a perceptual mechanism model to examine how display design identity and facility service satisfaction influence millennials’ willingness to purchase improved housing, mediated by an elevated sense of style and moderated by upward social comparison. Based on structural equation modeling with 491 valid responses, the findings reveal that facility service satisfaction has a significant direct effect on purchase intention, while display design identity affects behavior indirectly through an elevated sense of style. Moreover, the elevated sense of style serves as a critical mediator in multiple pathways, and its effect is significantly moderated by upward social comparison. This study contributes to the housing consumption literature by clarifying how functional and symbolic factors jointly shape purchase intentions, especially under the influence of social comparison dynamics. It also highlights the role of artistic display design as a symbolic stimulus that enhances style perception and self-identity among younger consumers, offering practical insights for improved housing design and marketing strategies. Full article

In the face of the challenge of urban water resource degradation, green infrastructure construction has become a core strategy in modern urban water resource management. Urban aquatic horticulture (UAH), as an important component of this strategy, possesses the dual value of ecological purification and landscape aesthetics. However, its practical implementation is often constrained by public awareness and acceptance. This study aims to address the mismatch between the dual values of urban aquatic horticulture and public perception, and to develop an optimised plant selection strategy that integrates purification functions with public perception. Based on literature reviews, 18 images of aquatic plant landscapes showcasing different ornamental forms, species richness, and life types were created. A questionnaire survey was conducted on 320 participants to assess their perceptions of landscape aesthetic appeal and visual preferences, and a quantitative relationship model was established using multiple stepwise linear regression analysis. The public’s aesthetic perception of aquatic plant landscapes with different ornamental forms and species richness varies significantly, with flowering plant landscapes more likely to evoke aesthetic perception than non-flowering landscapes. The public’s visual preferences for landscape attributes significantly influence their aesthetic perception of aquatic plant landscapes. A multiple stepwise linear regression equation was established to model the relationship between the aesthetic perception of aquatic plant community landscapes and the public’s visual preferences for landscape attributes. There is no significant association between species richness and perceived landscape aesthetic appeal. The study developed an optimised selection strategy for aquatic plants that integrates purification functions with public perception, providing theoretical basis and practical guidance for the scientific configuration of aquatic horticultural systems in urban green infrastructure. In landscape design, flowering plants with ornamental value should be prioritised, with emphasis on landscape layers, colour, and spatial shaping to enhance public acceptance and promote the sustainable development of urban water resource management. Full article

In the evolving discourse of affective urbanism, emotions are increasingly recognized as fundamental, systemic drivers shaping the social, perceptual, and symbolic dimensions of urban space. Meanwhile, advances in visual technologies and media aesthetics have transformed contemporary cities into visually saturated environments, where visual cues actively influence how urban space is perceived, navigated, and emotionally experienced. While prior research has addressed affective belonging and spatial identity, these studies often treat emotion and visual design as separate influences rather than examining their interdependent, systemic roles. To address this gap, this study develops an emotion-driven systemic model to analyze how visual design activates affective pathways that contribute to the sustainable construction of place branding. Drawing on survey data from 134 residents in Wuxi, China, we employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the interrelations among emotionally durable visual design, urban emotion, and place branding. The results reveal that visual attachment design (VAD) significantly strengthens place branding through emotional mediation, while visual behavior design (VBD) directly enhances sustainable branding by fostering participatory engagement even without emotional mediation. In contrast, visual function design (VFD) demonstrates limited impact, underscoring its insufficiency as a stand-alone strategy. These findings underscore the value of modeling emotionally durable visual communication as a system that links emotion, behavior, and identity in citizen-centered place branding. Full article

Amid the global challenges of rapid urbanization, understanding how micro-scale spatial features shape human perception is critical for advancing livable cities. This study pro-poses a data-driven framework that integrates street view imagery, deep learning-based semantic segmentation, and machine learning interpretation models including SHAP analysis to explore the relationship between urban spatial characteristics and subjective perceptions. A total of 12,604 street-level images from Xi’an, China, were analyzed to ex-tract seven spatial indicators. These indicators were then linked with perceptual data across six emotional dimensions derived from the Place Pulse 2.0 dataset. The analysis revealed that natural elements significantly enhance perceived comfort and aesthetics, while high-density built environments can suppress perceived safety and liveliness. Spatial clustering further identified three urban typologies—traditional, transitional, and modern—with distinct perceptual signatures. These findings offer scalable and transferable insights for perception-informed urban design and renewal, particularly in dense urban settings worldwide. Full article

This study investigates how perceptual and emotional factors—perceived naturalness, aesthetic pleasure, environmental concern, and disgust—shape consumer acceptance of a human-hair-derived bio-fabricated textile product (a unisex cardholder). In a scenario-based online survey, participants viewed an AI-generated image accompanied by a short vignette. A purposive sample of young adults in Istanbul with prior experience purchasing sustainable textile products was recruited and screened. All constructs were measured with standard Likert-type scales and translated into Turkish using a two-way back-translation procedure. Data were analyzed with PLS-SEM. Model fit was acceptable, and the model accounted for a substantial share of the variance in adoption intention. Aesthetic pleasure showed a clear positive influence on adoption intention, whereas perceived naturalness did not display a direct effect. Environmental concern modestly strengthened the link between naturalness and adoption. Disgust emerged as the dominant moderator, fully conditioning the naturalness pathway and reducing—but not eliminating—the effect of aesthetic pleasure. Together, these findings indicate that perceived naturalness, aesthetic pleasure, environmental concern, and disgust jointly shape adoption intention and that practical emphasis should be placed on reducing feelings of disgust while enhancing aesthetic appeal. Full article

Parametric design stands out in contemporary landscape facilities design with its distinctive beauty sense. However, understanding this beauty sense and establishing an aesthetic design method is one of the problems needed to be solved. In this context, this study integrates the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model and hybrid Kansei Engineering establish the aesthetic design method for parametric landscape facilities from the perspectives of cognition and positivist design. Firstly, the SOR model is used to reveal the aesthetic cognitive mechanism of parametric landscape facilities. Secondly, the forward Kansei Engineering is used to extract design features. Thirdly, the extracted design features are combined with shape grammar for parametric modeling in the Grasshopper platform. Fourthly, backward Kansei Engineering is used to evaluate design schemes and analyze their data of beauty sense. Finally, this study takes the landscape corridor as a case to illustrate the proposed method. The results show that (1) in aesthetic cognition, dynamic visual forms, transparency of spatial feeling, and abstract style have a significant positive impact on the beauty perception of parametric landscape facilities, and the beauty perception of parametric design has a unique appeal to the general public. (2) The design case verified the effectiveness of this method, and this study can provide a valuable reference for parametric landscape facilities. Full article

This paper contributes to the field of urban waste collection systems, which are crucial for advancing sustainability, urban cleanliness, and the aesthetic quality of cities. Specifically, it introduces a novel framework designed to support planners and decision makers in the design of efficient and responsive textile waste collection systems, aligned with both environmental objectives and citizen engagement. To this end, the framework exploits a hybrid simulation platform that realistically models the logistics infrastructure in a spatially explicit environment. Also, within the framework, citizens are represented as adaptive agents whose environmental attitudes evolve through personal experience, social influence, and perceived service quality. The behavioural layer is the core element of the framework. It enables dynamic analysis of the two-way feedback between citizen participation and service effectiveness to underscore the often-overlooked role of citizen behaviour in shaping overall system performance. The model was tested in a representative urban scenario under varying operational conditions. The results highlight how policy incentives and smart collection infrastructure can significantly boost participation, while social segregation may hinder the adoption of sustainable practices. The framework ultimately offers a generalisable decision-support tool to explore the behavioural dimension of circular economy initiatives and develop robust, scenario-based strategies. Full article

Food tourism is growing in travel experiences, with tourists increasingly drawn to culturally authentic and aesthetically engaging food. Understanding the psychological and experiential factors shaping these preferences is crucial for enhancing tourist visit intentions. Therefore, this study examines the factors such as attitudes (ATT), subjective norms (SN), perceived behavioural control (PBC), and food aesthetic experience (FAE) that influence tourists’ behavioural intentions towards food preferences (BIFP) in Goa, India. The research extends the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) by incorporating food aesthetic experiences as a mediating factor. A quantitative approach was employed, involving a structured questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale, administered to 217 tourists visiting Goa, India, who were selected through a random sampling method. Data were analysed using Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) through SmartPLS 4.0. Results show that attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and food aesthetic experience significantly influence tourists’ behavioural intentions towards food preferences. Food aesthetic experience emerged as a strong mediator, particularly between attitudes, perceived behavioural control, and tourists’ behavioural intentions towards food preferences. These findings highlight the role of sensory appeal in shaping culinary choices. The study concludes that a holistic approach, supported by cultural education and stakeholder collaboration, can enrich tourist experiences and support food tourism development. Full article