공공복합문화공간 시지각 유도 전략의 조형적 구조 연구 –울산시립도서관 사례를 중심으로–

Abstract

(Background and Purpose) This study examines the formative structure of visual guidance strategies in public complex cultural spaces, with a particular focus on the Ulsan Municipal Library as a representative contemporary public library facility in South Korea. As cultural policy increasingly emphasizes user-centered environments, symbolic value, and perceptual clarity, the capacity of cultural spaces to provide emotionally resonant and intuitively navigable experiences has become essential. However, existing spatial design frameworks remain limited in integrating perceptual theory with empirical evaluation. To address this gap, the study applies Gestalt visual perception theory to investigate how spatial elements guide user attention, movement, and affective response through continuity, contrast, proximity, and rhythmic structure. (Method) A mixed-methods research design was employed. On-site observation and photographic documentation were first conducted to identify visual traces and classify six formative components—line, dot, plane, color, texture, and rhythm. Expert consultation then refined twelve emotional keywords, including calm, immersion, attention, stability, tension, expectation, curiosity, clarity, intimacy, openness, confusion, and boredom. These variables were operationalized in an eighteen-item structured questionnaire and administered to thirty users of the Ulsan Municipal Library. Responses were collected on a five-point Likert scale and analyzed using SPSS for descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and chi-square tests in order to verify perceptual tendencies and emotional patterns. (Results) The findings reveal consistent relationships between visual elements and emotional responses. Line and dot stimuli enhanced attention, clarity, and immersion by reinforcing directional flow and focal emphasis. Color contrast generated both tension and expectation, while texture strengthened perceptions of stability and comfort. Rhythmic lighting sequences increased openness and anticipation by establishing dynamic visual continuity. Negative reactions such as confusion and boredom appeared at minimal levels, suggesting that the spatial configuration effectively supports positive affective experiences. These results demonstrate that perceptual strategies embedded within formative structures can significantly improve spatial legibility, intuitive navigation, and cultural identity reinforcement. (Conclusions) Although the study acknowledges limitations—including the small sample size and single-case focus—these constraints highlight the need for cautious interpretation and further validation through expanded cross-site comparisons. Nevertheless, the research provides theoretical and practical contributions by bridging perceptual psychology with empirical spatial analysis and by proposing a systematic approach to emotional design in public cultural environments. The findings suggest that public libraries and similar cultural facilities should incorporate principles of continuity, contrast, rhythm, and symbolic imagery into spatial planning to enhance both functional efficiency and emotional engagement. Implications further extend to urban regeneration initiatives, where perception-driven design can serve as a sustainable strategy for revitalization. Future research should broaden user groups, include diverse facility types, and adopt biometric or eye-tracking techniques to capture dynamic perceptual processes in real time.