Manipulating the Eye 2

Manipulating the Eye 2: Using Patterns & Directions

Use patterns, symbols and stimuli to direct the eye and traffic of people on a site.

Patterns and directions do more than manipulate the eye. Just as line can direct the eye and traffic patterns through a space, strong directive elements and patterns also manipulate perception and movement.

Visual stimuli like this affect mental patterns, too. This garden with four entrances draws visitors from any side through its directional patterns. It allows good circulation patterns, and psychologically, you feel options to go in many directions while still being directed. The sundial in the middle provides a strong focal point that also then collects pedestrians to linger in the middle.

Having a focal point encourages human interaction in a landscape. You can do this with art pieces, sundials, benches, arbors, or even gates and entryways.

This arched outcrop along a sidewalk draws people to pause there and take in the directed view from that vantage point.

People also respond to physical and physiological comforts. Benches and shade are examples of this. They can trigger the urge to visit, pause, and rest. Notice how the lack of benches at amusement parks keeps people moving. Where there are benches, people congregate, simply because they are comfortable.

Using symbolic and stimulating elements
Design elements with symbolic meanings can also trigger human response. Water fountains, springs, wells, streams and ponds symbolize refreshment and renewal. People are intrinsically and universally drawn to visit these types of places. Just put a child near water, and watch where he heads — straight for the water. You may have noticed the increase of water features in malls, which are designed to increase human interaction.

This winding pebble path with curbing makes pedestrians travel slowly and meditatively, while it also subtly encourages people to on the path and not wander into the moss garden. The interesting archway beckons and directs visitors onward.

Another thing to consider in design is our social conditioning as human beings. When we see a gate, a path, or an opening in a hedge, we are conditioned to go that way. It’s almost irresistible. And in addition to our conditioning to take these paths, we’re also intensely curious. We’re intrigued, and want to see what is beyond the gate or hedge.

We think landscape designers’ services can be underestimated. With some understanding of the cultural attitudes of your clients, sensitivity to design stimulus, and knowledge of what is appropriate in a given design style, a design makeover can have dramatic impact on the human psyche. A smart designer realizes that line and form visually have a powerful influence in controlling the way humans experience or enjoy a space. And how much humans experience and enjoy a landscaped space has a strong impact on how much a space will be used, appreciated and maintained.

A path that intersects with a curving stream doesn't dead end there; it encourages the visitor to have some youthful fun exploring of the stream, both visually and physically.

We landscape designers need to tap into this psychology and art of creative design. When the client is enlightened to our ability to create spaces that affect human perceptions, our talents and services will become invaluable.

The Kinman Institute offers classes in basic and advanced techniques of landscape design and construction. For more information, visit www.kinmaninstitute.com, email cynthia@kinmaninstitute.com, or call 614-764-8733 (TREE).