Eye tracking helps architectural animation: Case study of the cathedral in Pécs

Abstract

The Zsolnay Light Festival in Pécs is the only light festival in Hungary. The light show on the cathedral’s façade was a significant part of the 2010 European Capital of Culture programme. This paper investigates the impact of this dynamic art on the audience’s sensory experience using biometric technology. We evaluate six patterns projected onto buildings, which were distinguished parts of the animated light shows. For the attraction analysis of the animations’ key visual pattern frames, we use 3M’s VAS eye tracking simulation software. Furthermore, in parallel with Nikos Salingaros’ engagement-theory on architectural facades, we explore how visual stimulation changes when projecting artificial light works on them. By establishing comparative groups of visual contrasts (i.e., figurative, space simulating, dynamic, or abstract), we obtain various levels of engagement.