Garden cultural heritage spatial functionalities: The case of anamorphosis abscondita at Vaux-le-Vicomte

This paper analyzes the phenomenon of spatial functionalities for garden cultural heritage design and the relationships between the sizes of the sections and elements of the baroque garden of Vaux-le-Vicomte and the specific visual phenomenon, anamorphosis abscondita, that was used in the design of this garden. The interpretation of the optical illusions in the garden of Vaux-le-Vicomte was achieved by using geometrical analysis of the rules of linear perspective. The anamorphosis abscondita was examined through the viewpoints of the garden using the ground plan and longitudinal section of the garden, photographs and a virtual 3D model. The visual impression of the phenomenon anamorphosis abscondita formed in the eye of the observer, in relation to the reality of the garden, is confirmed through the geometrical analysis. Anamorphosis abscondita introduces a compulsory perceptual path to the observer of the garden. This pattern of deformation in certain parts of the garden creates in the viewer's eye a sense of infinity in space. The 3D scene of the garden is characterised by a large amount of spatial and visual information, which is located at different distances from the observer. The quality of visual information in such a space leads to a change of the object of interest. Perspectives and optical illusions influence the design of the garden at Vaux-le-Vicomte, and the terraces and axes of symmetry are important tools in its spatial organization. The axis of symmetry contributes to the clarity, depth and order of composition. The parameters that influence the phenomenon of anamorphosis (distortion): the height of the eye point and the distance both affect the visual illusion of the change in size (depth of scene).