Perceiving agricultural heritage: How landscape attributes shape visual preferences—A case study in Iran

Abstract

In the context of significant agricultural landscape changes, understanding public visual preferences is essential for landscape planning and conservation of these historical landscapes. This study evaluated the impact of landscape attributes on visual perceptions of historic agricultural landscapes in semi-arid regions, exemplified by the Isfahan Plain in Iran. Using linear mixed models, we investigated how ratings of pleasantness and the visual concepts from the framework developed by Tveit, Ode, and Fry (2006) —stewardship, coherence, disturbance, visual scale, imageability, complexity, and naturalness— were affected by landscape attributes and socio-demographic factors. Results indicate that physical attributes mainly shape visual evaluations, with moderate vegetation and traditional features such as earthen boundaries and dovecotes receiving the highest appreciation. Individual experience with agriculture and exposure to dovecotes also positively influenced perceptions, while demographic variables such as gender or residence in the Isfahan Plain showed limited impact. The findings highlight the importance of preserving traditional landscape elements and suggest that promoting public awareness and experiential engagement can support sustainable management and conservation of these heritage landscapes, informing policies for landscape planning and heritage preservation in similar arid and semi-arid regions.