Which philosophical theory suggests that the perception of architecture is shaped by the viewer's expectations?

The philosophical theory that suggests the perception of architecture is shaped by the viewer's expectations is the Transactional Theory. This theory posits that the interaction between the observer and the environment plays a significant role in the interpretation and understanding of architecture. According to Transactional Theory, the meaning and experience of architectural spaces arise from the dynamic relationship between the observer's expectations, previous experiences, and the qualities of the architecture itself.

In this context, the viewer's expectations are not merely passive; they actively influence how one perceives and engages with architectural forms. This means that different individuals may interpret the same architectural space in varying ways based on their unique backgrounds, experiences, and anticipations. By emphasizing the active role of the viewer, Transactional Theory provides valuable insights into how architecture can elicit different responses and meanings based upon the perceptual lens through which it is viewed.

In contrast, Psychoanalytic Theory focuses more on unconscious motivations and desires that influence perception rather than the active role of expectations. Phenomenological Theory centers around the embodied experience and consciousness, emphasizing how individuals dwell in and experience spaces. Existential Theory, on the other hand, deals with individual existence, freedom, and the search for meaning, rather than specifically addressing how perceptual expectations shape experiences of