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13. MYSTERY & ENTICEMENT

PATTERNS

WELL-BEING BENEFITS

  • INCREASE Preference (1-5)
ENVIRONMENTAL
(1) Heerwagen & Gregory, 2008; (2) Hildebrand, 2008; (3) R. Kaplan et al., 1998; (4) S. Kaplan, 1992; (5) Windhager et al., 2011

“Mystery creates wonder and wonder is the basis of man's desire to understand.”                                                                                                                                          - T.S. Elliot

THE BASICS

Enticement creates mystery with the assurance of information beyond what is currently accessible, it evolves from the human nature to explore and understand (6, 7).  Fear inducing spaces would have a shallow depth of field, or feel as though anything encountered would be a surprise.  Enticement asks the viewer to move through the space, seeking what is ahead and then continue to beckon the viewer to move forward.  

PREFERENCES TO:
Spatial Concepts:
  • Winding pathways
  • Curving edges over sharp ones
  • Semi-transparent partitions
  • Paritally revealed views
 
Spaces with the possibilty to continually evolve maintain mystery long-term:
  • ​Gardens that change
  • Shifts in light
Winding Pathways
Curving Edges
Semi-Transparent Partitions
Partially Revealed Views
(6) R. Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989; (7) R. Kaplan et al., 1998; Adapted from: Browning, Ryan, Clancy, 2014
The Basics
Focal Length > 20 Feet  to > 100 Feet preferred (8)

MYSTERY

Mystery allows us to move through a space, fully engaged and curious, wondering what might come next. 

 

Should feel pleasurable and not invoke fear. 

(8) Browning, Ryan, Clancy, 2014

WINDING PATHWAYS

Winding Pathways

All Photo Credits: Nicole Craanen

Photo Credit: Nicole Craanen

CURVING EDGES

Curving Edges

All Photo Credits: Nicole Craanen

SEMI-TRANSPARENT PARTITIONS

Semi-Transparent Partitions

All Photo Credits: Nicole Craanen

PARTIALLY REVEALED VIEWS

Partially Revealed Views

All Photo Credits: Nicole Craanen

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