Aesthetic Preferences for Architectural Styles Vary as a Function of Personality

Abstract

The present study sought to determine whether aesthetic preferences for architectural styles vary as a function of personality. Participants completed a five-factor inventory as well as rating photographic images of British buildings for both aesthetic appeal and familiarity. The results indicate that personality exerts both direct and indirect influences on preferences. Extraversion was found to be negatively associated with preferences for preferences for High-Tech and Brutalist architectural styles. Similarly, Neuroticism was found to be positively associated with preferences for Victorian Gothic buildings, and negatively associated with preferences for High-Tech buildings. Agreeableness also appears to exert an indirect influence on preferences for Brutalism, mediated by familiarity. Architectural familiarity was found to be highly predictive of preferences for all styles. Limitations and implications are discussed.