There is still a fact that is related to the principle of completion or to the good shape. According to this principle, the eye tries to fill in the information gaps in order to create a more comprehensible shape.
Similarly, in music, there is “Music Expectation,” where the listener listens to a set of notes that normally form a chord whose main tone is omitted, but the listener’s ear is normally heard. This is fully consistent with Gestalt’s visual rules for completing.
In 1956, Leonard Meyer used the psychology of the Gestalt, according to “Music Expectation”, and reached corresponding rules: “completion – closure – good continuity. The concept of Expectation is treated by Meyer as a basic psychological need: “… the imperfect creates expectations for the perfect.” [Leonard B. Meyer, 1956 p. 128].
In 1977, Eugene Narmour, in an effort to show his objections to Schenkerian Analysis, made his own model of analysis based on Meyer’s work. His basic model is based on two basic assumptions in order to operate:
1. A + A -> A.
2. A + B -> C
A, B, C are melodic elements of any form, duration, color or tone. The first states that when two such elements are heard the listener waits for their repetition. The second means that when two different elements are heard, the listener waits to hear a third, also different.
Objective and Subjective Perception
An Objective Perception is defined: the reaction that occurs when particular groups of elements are shifted in front of the observer’s eyes. Objective perception is a dynamic element in the composition, as it is constantly changing and difficult to predict. [Max Wertheimer, 1938]
Corresponding to “objective perception” is also the “subjective perception” which describes the factors that affect the perception of the individual, which are related to his previous experiences, habits, knowledge, etc. This term is also referred to by Wertheimer [1938] but with a negative tone because of the unequal and overvalued importance given to him by previous psychological theories, which the gestalt theory was fighting.
In architecture, however, this review of the subject can happen on many levels. In an architectural work, the scale from which we see space is constantly changing because the volume of information is changing. The further we are, we focus our attention on the most basic features of architecture, those with the greatest intensity. But as we get closer, we are revealed more information that can get the most of our attention.
The physical terrain of the route can be parallel to Gestalt rules and how they affect the route. In particular, the behavior according to the other members of the group or the elements of the path affects the objective perception, while the knowledge from previous experiences, the subjective perception.
