Virtual vandalism: The effect of physical incivilities on the affective appraisal of 3D urban models

3D models of an urban area were manipulated to create an impression of neglect and dilapidation. In an experimental study the affective appraisals of the original and the manipulated models were compared. Results demonstrate that unfavourable elements in an urban environment, that are usually omitted from 3D models, influence the appraisal of the participants about the area, but only slightly and less than expected. Moreover, the judgment of the environment seems to be influenced by expectations of the representation. When 3D models are used for decision making in urban planning, this effect has to be taken into account. The experiment thus demonstrates that measuring instruments should be designed in such a way that the content (the environment) can be assessed separately from the chosen representation.