As the heated debate over the appropriate architectural style for federal buildings has started up again, both the public and our legislators need to take note of decisive developments in applied aesthetics.
First, scientific studies reveal that public buildings are loved if they have a healing effect on their users. Contrary to popular belief, public choice does not reflect an ignorance of more esoteric (and assumed more sophisticated) architectural knowledge; rather, it is the human body’s evolved biological response to what is in front of us. This has to do with biology and mathematics, not abstractions.
Second, we are witnessing a revolution with the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) in its verbal and visual versions. There have been experiments in eliciting what the public prefers in architectural styles by asking drawing programs to produce photo-realistic and artistic renderings of beloved imaginary buildings. Those preferred examples turned out to be in old-fashioned architectural styles in complete agreement with recent public polls. The same results come out when using painting software to create new imaginary buildings that are loved.
Third, public survey preferences for more traditional versus modernist and deconstructivist style languages are confirmed using Visual Attention Software to analyze their façades. This software by 3M Company, trained using AI, predicts where the eye is attracted on a building’s façade.
An attractive building engages the user’s unconscious attention, with special emphasis on the entrance and appropriate design elements such as ornament, signage, and window and door frames that enhance the
