17 Nov 2009
The Michael Breheny Prize went to the researchers based at the University’s School of Environment and Development in recognition of their work on fractal environments.
The academics argue that urban designers should create complicated fractal environments as they are better places to live.
Humans, they say, are pre-adapted to live in a fractal environment where complex objects such as trees and rocks repeat themselves.
Non-fractal environments, such as car parks, London’s Docklands development, business parks and pine plantations feel alien and oppressive.
Dr Crompton said: “We’re delighted to receive this award – it’s a real honour
“One application of our work is the Welsh town of Portmeirion, which was made famous by 1960s cult television series The Prisoner.
“Sir Clough Williams-Ellis built the village to prove a beautiful site could be developed in a natural way.
“The little incidents, places to stop, sit and look and the things that give Portmeirion its charm make it seem larger than places where one keeps moving.
“Distances will therefore seem smaller in places where people look at their feet and there is lots of traffic. We can use this to make space from nothing.
He added: "Our vision is hard-wired to expect the world to be fractal and in non-fractal environments we suffer minor illusions of vision.
“This may explain why non- fractal environments such as car parks feel oppressive.
“It may also explain why highly fractal environments such as open woodland, picturesque towns, older city centres and old cities such as Fez and Jerusalem feel familiar and friendly.”
For media enquiries contact:
Mike Addelman
Media Relations
Faculty of Humanities
The University of Manchester
0161 275 0790
07717 881567
michael.addelman@manchester.ac.uk
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