Understanding Architectural Aesthetics: The Impact of Gestalt Principles on Architects' Perceptions

Abstract

The relationship between visual perception and architectural aesthetics greatly influences human engagement with constructed surroundings. This study explores the importance of including Gestalt principles in architecture education to improve architects’ understanding of aesthetic values and visual perception. Using case studies of religious buildings from several historical periods, the study investigates the capacity of 157 architects from Eastern Mediterranean University to identify and value architectural beauty via the lens of Gestalt principles. Results point to a significant difference in the aesthetic assessment of architects who are and are not familiar with Gestalt principles, highlighting the importance of these principles in creating a sophisticated grasp of architectural aesthetics. The study emphasizes how important it is to incorporate Gestalt principles into architectural curricula to produce architects who can create environments that enhance human experience in architectural contexts by satisfying functional and aesthetic needs. © 2025 Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois.