Abstract
This theoretical exploration examines the intricate intersections of aesthetics, preferences, and game theory in understanding biological factors that shape landscape preferences. By synthesizing interdisciplinary perspectives from evolutionary biology, environmental psychology, and strategic decision-making theories, the study reveals landscape preferences as complex adaptive mechanisms deeply embedded in human biological and cognitive systems. Drawing from research in biophilia, neurobiology, and cognitive sciences, the study uncovers the underlying biological mechanisms that drive landscape aesthetic judgments. Empirical evidence demonstrates that landscape preferences are strategically constructed survival tools, manifesting through intricate biological calculations of environmental safety, resource availability, and potential for exploration. Game-theoretic analysis reveals these preferences as optimal strategies developed through evolutionary adaptation, explaining why certain landscape characteristics consistently evoke positive aesthetic responses. The research reveals how aesthetic judgments of landscapes represent complex computational processes that balance multiple survival-related variables. Key findings highlight critical dimensions of human-nature interactions, including evolved relationships, visual aesthetic qualities, and environmental perception strategies. The emerged theoretical model integrates multiple perspectives, showing how landscape preferences stem from the dynamic interplay between genetic predispositions, neurological processing, and environmental interactions. The study contributes to a comprehensive theoretical framework that bridges aesthetic theory, evolutionary biology, and strategic decision-making approaches. By applying game theory to landscape preferences, the study offers innovative insights into how humans cognitively and biologically interact with environmental spaces. Practical implications extend to landscape design, urban planning, and environmental psychology, providing a sophisticated understanding of aesthetic preferences as adaptive biological strategies.
Presenters
Chutarat LaomanacharoenProgram Faculty Member, Multidisciplinary Design, School of Architecture and Design, Assumption University, Samut Prakan, Thailand
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2026 Special Focus—From the Home to the City: Designing Spatial Experiences
KEYWORDS
Aesthetic Preferences, Game Theory, Biological Factors, Landscape Preferences, Evolutionary Aesthetics
