Tenth International Conference on The Constructed Environment

Abstract

Visual preferences for diverse landscape environments have been of great interest to researchers involved in the examination of the quality of environments relative to human perception. However, many of the previous research surveys have focused on the perception and preference of general landscape environments without considering specific landscape features present in a particular environment. Specifically, landscape features present in a distinct environment like the Obudu mountain in Nigeria has yet to be explored. Also, the influence of age and gender on perceived preference of different landscape features has received little attention. The aim of this study is to explore the influence of age and gender on the perception and preference of individuals for specific features of the mountain landscape environment. The study involved a cross-sectional survey of 200 respondents. Respondents were 137 males and 63 females between the ages of 21 to 50 years old. A three-page questionnaire which included six color photographs selected from 30 photographs captured in specific locations in the Obudu mountain landscape environment in Nigeria was developed and modified to measure the preference for particular landscape features. This study showed that gender and age are key demographic considerations in the assessment of environmental perception and preference. The knowledge provides a guide for use and implementation by landscape practitioners and policy makers concerned with harnessing and managing mountain landscape environments.