Civil Engineering and Architecture Vol. 13(3A), pp. 2769 - 2782
DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.131341
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Typography in Urban and Built Environment: Influence on Human Perception

Rohit Kumar ¹, Divit Yadav ², Debayan Dhar ³, Ganesh Urala H. G. ^2,*
1 Department of Design, Manipal School of Architecture & Planning, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Karnataka, Manipal, 576104, India
² Manipal School of Architecture & Planning, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Karnataka, Manipal, 576104, India
³ Department of Design, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, IIT Guwahati, India

ABSTRACT

Typography plays a pivotal role in shaping the visual fabric of a cityscape and its dynamics. This study systematically explores the intricate relationship between environmental typography and its contribution to the human interpretation of public spaces. It addresses a significant gap in the domain of urban science literature and has the potential to contribute to the development of more interactive urban spaces. Therefore, this research employs a twofold methodology, commencing with a comprehensive literature review followed by an experimental phase involving a distinctive approach termed 'perceptual experimentation' to elicit precise psychological responses. The study results demonstrate a significant preference for typographic elements, as revealed by a binomial test analysing 3,150 responses, highlighting a substantial influence of typography on user preferences. Furthermore, a chi-square test confirmed a strong relationship between typographic elements in urban environments and user preference. Regarding the interpretation of the built environment, 74.12% of responses were found to align with correct interpretations. Logistic regression analysis indicated that font style and color significantly influence interpretation, while material and size exert minimal. The study holds important practical implications for urban design, planning and psychology, as it advocates for the integration of typography to enhance the connectivity of public spaces with people.

KEYWORDS
Environmental Typography, Urban Design, Built Environment, Human Perception

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Rohit Kumar , Divit Yadav , Debayan Dhar , Ganesh Urala H. G. , "Typography in Urban and Built Environment: Influence on Human Perception," Civil Engineering and Architecture, Vol. 13, No. 3A, pp. 2769 - 2782, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.131341.

(b). APA Format:
Rohit Kumar , Divit Yadav , Debayan Dhar , Ganesh Urala H. G. (2025). Typography in Urban and Built Environment: Influence on Human Perception. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 13(3A), 2769 - 2782. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.131341.