Multi-Layered Gestalt Analysis of Irregular Shapes in Architecture: Gradient Analysis and Box-Counting Applied to Amorphous Designs

Abstract

This paper presents the new and enhanced version of the gradient analysis to be added to the digital toolbox of Gestalt evaluation of irregular shapes. This allows for a multi-perspective approach to Gestalt analysis of irregular shapes in architecture from now on. Gestalt is defined by perceptual and organizational principles, and the relationships between these principles. Accordingly, analysis can be based on the examination or description of complexity, redundancy, and variance across different scales (e.g., determined by fractal analyses, proportion analyses, or referencing color systems). The methods for the Gestalt analysis of some of these characteristics, developed and presented by the authors in previous research, have been applied to regular and orthogonal designs thus far. For the first time, these methods are now being tested on free forms, starting with a single closed curve, and are adapted to this new challenging task. In addition to adapting and further developing the analysis methods, the authors present a workflow for measuring various Gestalt qualities of designs that feature curved structures.