Seasonal Color Dynamics and Visual Aesthetic Perception in Subtropical Wetland Parks: A Climate-Adaptive Design Framework
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: National urban wetland parks serve as key platforms for ecological conservation and recreation, yet the synergistic mechanisms between plant color dynamics and public aesthetic perception remain underexplored. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for evidence-based, climate-resilient landscape design. This study quantifies statistical associations between seasonal color and aesthetic patterns in two national wetland parks (South Dian Lake and Laoyu Lake, Kunming) using Hue–Saturation–Brightness (HSB) color metrics and Scenic Beauty Estimation (SBE) based on year-round monitoring at 24 sample sites. Regression analysis revealed that overall SBE values ranged from −1.027 to 0.756, indicating medium aesthetic quality, with South Dian Lake outperforming Laoyu Lake, particularly in aquatic plant communities. Seasonal trends showed the highest aesthetic preference in winter (orange–yellow dominant, 0.110) and the lowest in early spring (−0.167, yellow dominant), followed by relatively stable values from late spring to mid-autumn (0.007–0.020) and a secondary peak in late autumn (0.029). Higher SBE scores were associated with a dominant hue ratio of 70–75%, balancing color unity and diversity. We identify an operational plant color configuration—70–75% dominant hue, 20% evergreen foliage and 5–7 color types—that corresponds to higher SBE scores. By translating aesthetic responses into quantitative color targets, this study provides guidance for climate-adaptive planting design and seasonal management in subtropical wetland landscapes under global warming.
Source: Sustainability
DOI: 10.3390/su18010386
Authors: Lanxi Jiang, Damei Chen, Wen Wei, Gillian Lawson
Language: English
Topic: Color perception and design
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W7117684987