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Biophilic design patterns: Emerging nature-based parameters for health and well-being in the built environment
Abstract
This paper carries forth the conceptual framework for biophilic design that was first laid out by Cramer and Browning in Biophilic Design (2008), which established three categories meant to help define biophilic buildings - Nature in the Space, Natural Analogues and Nature of the Space - and a preliminary list of "biophilic conditions". New research and insights from the neurosciences, endocrinology and other fields have since helped evolve the scientific basis for biophilic design. This paper begins to articulate this growing body of research and emerging design parameters in architectural terms, so that we may draw connections between fields of study, highlight potential avenues for future research, evolve our understanding of biophilic design patterns, and capture the positive psychophysiological and cognitive benefits afforded by biophilia in our design interventions. © 2014 Archnet-IJAR, International Journal of Architectural Research.
... Biofilia es la necesidad profunda de los seres humanos de conectarse con la naturaleza (Ryan, Browning, Clancy, Andrews, & Kallianpurkar, 2014). Esta conexión ha sido explorada por algunos músicos; por ejemplo, el francés Olivier Messiaen , quien incorporaba cantos de los pájaros en sus composiciones. ...
... 82, Núm. 1 (julio-diciembre), pp. 32-70 como una herramienta destinada a informar, orientar y ayudar en el proceso de diseño (Ryan et al., 2014). El propósito de definirlos es articular conexiones entre los aspectos del entorno construido y natural, además de ver cómo reaccionan los individuos y cómo se benefician de ellos. ...
... La utilización de estos patrones en el diseño biofílico puede repercutir en una mejor calidad de vida potenciando la relajación. La conexión no visual se caracteriza por estímulos auditivos, hápticos, olfativos o gustativos que engendran una referencia positiva a la naturaleza (Ryan et al., 2014). ...
En América, se ha desarrollado un discurso eurocéntrico en la práctica de la música y en la conformación espacial. Este artículo analiza la repercusión que ha tenido la música y la arquitectura en la construcción de nuestra identidad. La metodología contempló estudios de caso que involucran el paisaje sonoro para la comprensión de fenómenos sociales potenciadores de relaciones de dominación. Se analizaron dinámicas hegemónicas de la música “clásica” en el Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica, así como ejemplos y propuestas latinoamericanas relacionados con la ruptura de composiciones artísticas eurocéntricas que fomentan la transculturación. Se explora la música de la naturaleza, el paisaje sonoro y la memoria, considerando diferentes patrones biofílicos como alternativas hacia la descolonización que, por medio del conocimiento local, fomenten la interculturalidad. Para reconfigurar nuevos discursos, no se pretende satanizar los aportes culturales europeos, sino comprender cómo muchos de estos habitus han provocado actitudes de desvalorización contra lo autóctono.
... Exposure to nature improves well-being by reducing stress, blood pressure, muscle tension, heart rate, and anxiety, and by increasing dopamine levels, immune functions, attentional vigilance, sense of serenity, mood, and physical and mental performance. (See also Arvay, 2015Arvay, /2018Browning et al., 2014;Kaplan & Kaplan, 1998;Kellert, 2005Kellert, , 2008Kellert & Calabrese, 2015;Ryan et al., 2014;Salingaros, 2015;Salingaros & Masden II, 2008;Ulrich, 2008;Wilson, 2008). ...
... Exposure to nature improves well-being by reducing stress, blood pressure, muscle tension, heart rate, and anxiety, and by increasing dopamine levels, immune functions, attentional vigilance, sense of serenity, mood, and physical and mental performance. (See also Arvay, 2015Arvay, /2018Browning et al., 2014;Kaplan & Kaplan, 1998;Kellert, 2005Kellert, , 2008Kellert & Calabrese, 2015;Ryan et al., 2014;Salingaros, 2015;Salingaros & Masden II, 2008;Ulrich, 2008;Wilson, 2008). ...
... The word pool was examined in comparison with the categorizations of biophilic values, elements, and attributes in the literature on biophilic environmental design which are A Typology of Biophilia Values (Kellert, 1993), General Features of Nature (Heerwagen, 2003), Biophilic Elements and Attributes (Kellert, 2008), Seven Attributes of Nature (Heerwagen & Gregory, 2008), 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design (Browning et al., 2014), Experiences and Attributes of Biophilic Design (Kellert & Calabrese, 2015), and Eight Points of the Biophilic Effect (Salingaros, 2015). Stephen Kellert's two categorizations became prominent by being the most relevant ones to product design principles and values. ...
Biophilia is hypothesized as one of the defining concepts guiding human pref-erences of everyday life. Although “biophilia” has been well integrated as a design approach in Architectural and Urban Design, it is yet to develop in industrial design. Employing a two-staged approach, we aimed to define the biophilic char-acteristics of a product multidimensionally and examine their effects on the users’ preferences. The first stage consisted of empirical studies to describe the biophilic dimen-sions. This endeavor yielded a word set (N=78) that qualifies the biophilic di-mensions (N=6). The words obtained consisted of biophilic design values and the hypothetical biophilic product dimensions that were proposed by researchers. Also, we obtained a set of product images (N=18) to be used throughout the study. The second stage was designed to explore the effects of biophilia on user prefer-ences. An expert group (N=120) assessed the associations between the words and product sets. Also, a user group (N=1.206) rated how much they preferred these products. The data obtained from the experts and the users were analyzed to ex-amine how the biophilic dimensions predicted the user preferences by regression analyses conducted on SPSS 27. The results revealed that the functional dimen-sion has a significant effect on user preferences in both biophilic and non-biophil-ic/biophobic cases while the psychological dimension has a significantly negative effect on user preferences just in non-biophilic/biophobic cases.
... COVID-19 lockdowns have demonstrated the need for both indoor and outdoor nature exposures for mental and physical health. To ensure a variety of nature exposures while staying indoor during lockdowns, working from home, and overall living in nature, we recommend adoption and implementation of nature-based design principles such as biophilic design for both indoor and outdoor space design (Kellert, 2018;Kellert et al., 2011;Ryan et al., 2014). Kellert (2018) noted that biophilic design principles focus on buildings and constructed landscapes that foster human health through increased contact with the natural world. ...
... Kellert (2018) noted that biophilic design principles focus on buildings and constructed landscapes that foster human health through increased contact with the natural world. Ryan et al. (2014) presented three categories (i.e., nature in the space, natural analogs, and nature of the space) and fourteen patterns of biophilic design (e.g., visual connection, presence of water; Fig. 3) that may reflect naturehealth relationships in varying built environment contexts. In particular, visual connection with nature should be considered as a critical design principle for buildings. ...
... In this regard, two studies identified that during COVID-19, people with higher mental stress obtained a greater mental restoration through water sounds compared to pre-COVID samples Qiu and Zhang, 2021). Design patterns such as prospect and refuge, biomorphic forms should also be integrated into urban design to increase overall nature connections through multisensory experience of nature as part of everyday life Kellert et al., 2011;Ryan et al., 2014). It should be noted that 'Biophilic cities' (https://www.biophiliccities.org/), a global S.M. Labib et al. ...
While COVID-19 lockdowns have slowed coronavirus transmission, such structural measures also have unintended consequences on mental and physical health. Growing evidence shows that exposure to the natural environment (e.g., blue-green spaces) can improve human health and wellbeing. In this narrative review, we synthesized the evidence about nature's contributions to health and wellbeing during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that during the pandemic, people experienced multiple types of nature, including both outdoors and indoors. Frequency of visits to outdoor natural areas (i.e., public parks) depended on lockdown severity and socio-cultural contexts. Other forms of nature exposure, such as spending time in private gardens and viewing outdoor greenery from windows, may have increased. The majority of the evidence suggests nature exposure during COVID-19 pandemic was associated with less depression, anxiety, stress, and more happiness and life satisfaction. Additionally, nature exposure was correlated with less physical inactivity and fewer sleep disturbances. Evidence was mixed regarding associations between nature exposure and COVID-related health outcomes, while nature visits might be associated with greater rates of COVID-19 transmission and mortality when proper social distancing measures were not maintained. Findings on whether nature exposure during lockdowns helped ameliorate health inequities by impacting the health of lower-socioeconomic populations more than their higher-socioeconomic counterparts for example were mixed. Based on these findings, we argue that nature exposure may have buffered the negative mental and behavioral impacts of lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recovery and resilience during the current crises and future public health crises might be improved with nature-based infrastructure, interventions, designs, and governance.
... First, building on the Restorative Cities Framework (Roe and McCay, 2021), design interventions in the urban context can offer or stimulate activities that proved to be beneficial for mental health and wellbeing. These include for example physical activity (Tamminen et al., 2020), exercises in mindfulness (Davidson et al., 2003), contact with nature (e.g., Alvarsson et al., 2010;Ryan et al., 2014;Salonen et al., 2022), and social interaction (Umberson and Montez, 2010). Additionally, urban design interventions can provide information on prevention of mental health issues such as stress reduction. ...
... Mapping emotions, behaviors, or activities in certain places can add to contextualize complex spatial information (Sieber, 2006) as a basis for detecting potential for small-scale design interventions, e.g., indicated through informal use. Furthermore, an evidence-based approach can help identify urban resources such as contact to nature (e.g., Ryan et al., 2014;Ryan and Browning, 2020) or views that promote prospect and refuge (Petherick, 2000). Like this, interventions can make use of their direct surroundings. ...
With roughly half of the global population living in cities, urban environments become central to public health often perceived as health risk factors. Indeed, mental disorders show higher incidences in urban contexts compared to rural areas. However, shared urban environments also provide a rich potential to act as a resource for mental health and as a platform to increase mental health literacy. Based on the concepts of salutogenesis and restorative environments, we propose a framework for urban design interventions. It outlines (a) an output level, i.e., preventive and discursive potentials of such interventions to act as biopsychosocial resources, and (b) a process level, i.e., mechanisms of inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration of researchers and citizens in the design process. This approach aims at combining evidence-based, salutogenic, psychosocially-supportive design with a focus on mental health. Implementing low-threshold, resource-efficient options in the existing urban context brings this topic to the public space. Implications for the implementation of such interventions for citizens, researchers, and municipality stakeholders are discussed. This illustrates new directions of research for urban person-environment interactions, public health, and beyond.
... Moreover, microalgae facades provide biophilic design elements by offering a stronger biological connection compared to traditional facades. Biophilic design aims at connecting people and nature within the built environment [5,6]. Previous studies showed accrued cognitive performance and more positive emotions while experiencing biophilic indoor spaces [7][8][9]. ...
... Biophilia has become an essential facet of architectural design by implementing nature in the space (nature within the built environment), using nature analogs (e.g., biomorphic forms and natural material), and improving the nature of the space (spatial configuration triggering specific physiological responses) [5,8]. Wilson's (1994) biophilia hypothesis describes the innate desire in living things to understand and connect with other life [6]. ...
The influence of nature on occupant well-being and performance has been proved in office, hospital, and educational settings. There is evidence that plants and green colors affect creative and psychological responses. The microalgae facade in the study integrated spirulina, blue-green microalgae, which were cultivated using natural daylight and room air. While a good body of research explores nature’s impact on people, research on microalgae systems has not been linked to creative performance. This pilot study, therefore, focused on how the microalgae facade influences occupant mood and creativity. Forty architecture students were randomly assigned to the control and experimental rooms. The control group was surveyed in a room with a traditional window, whereas the experimental group was surveyed in a room with a biochromic window. Research design for the two conditions remained the same under IEQ-controlled environments except for the inclusion of the microalgae facade. Forty architecture students completed two creativity tasks—alternative use test (AUT) and remote association test (RAT)—and brainstorming for sustainable design in control and experimental settings. Our preliminary findings indicate that the microalgae facade did not affect divergent ideas and convergent thinking during tasks, but participants in the microalgae façade developed more design solutions that included greenery than students in the control space. This research is a preliminary investigation into the human impact of a microalgae façade and represents a new focus for scientific research. More work is needed to better grasp to what extent implementing a microalgae façade will impact human behavior in space.
... The stress-reducing effect of nature has been studied more specifically with reference to the use of window views of nature (Ozdemir, 2010). Window views of nature have been shown to restore mood and mitigate the adverse health outcomes associated with spending extended periods in urban spaces (Kent et al., 2016;Ko et al., 2020;Ryan et al., 2014). While previous window-focused research has indicated significant impacts of nature on stress reduction, the methodologies used within such studies have varied considerably. ...
... Participants experienced higher energy, pleasure, and relaxation, with lower levels of distress when viewing nature. These findings are consistent with the body of SRT literature, which has found that natural elements (e.g., greenery, blue skies) within the environment invoke a reduction in the stress response, resulting in the restoration of mood states (Bowler et al., 2010;Kent et al., 2016;Ryan et al., 2014). Our findings are also in line with a meta-analysis which, across 32 studies, identified that contact with (real) natural environments leads to a significant increase in positive affect and a smaller but significant decrease in negative effect. ...
A body of environmental psychology research has demonstrated that the inclusion of natural elements within the built environment, known as biophilic design, can result in improvements in cognition and affect. The current study used two experimental within-subjects studies and virtual reality to examine the impact of window views of nature on affect and cognitive functioning. The first experiment compared the effect of office environments, with either no window or a window view of nature (i.e., trees, blue sky), on performance in commonly used cognitive tasks measuring tonic alertness (i.e. sustained attention), cognitive flexibility, and creativity. The second experiment extended the range of measures, assessing effects of the window with nature-views on phasic alertness, executive attention (i.e. working memory), and self-reported affect. The second study further introduced an additional condition that contained a window with shutters, which allowed for daylight infiltration, while blocking the view of nature. Paired samples t-test analysis revealed that the nature-view condition had a significant positive effect on creative fluency (i.e. quantity of output) but not on the quality of creative responses. Moreover, a Multivariate Analysis of Variance indicated that nature-views significantly enhanced positive affect and reduced negative affect. In contrast, no significant effect of the environment was observed for tonic and phasic alertness, and executive attention (i.e. working memory). These results indicate that affect, and specific cognitive processes, are restored by incorporating biophilic elements into architectural design.
... Another promising approach in architectural design is biophilic architecture which believes humans have an intrinsic relationship with nature and the human tendency to explore and associate him with the natural world [18], considering sustainability and low environmental impacts and offering a restorative design [19]. Biophilic design can be achieved by incorporating plants, water, and animals in the natural built-in environment; using patterns and materials that depict nature, and describing how humans act accordingly with spatial arrangements [20]. With the increasing environmental awareness, designers shifted their concerns in relating their creations to the mitigation of climate change impacts and prevention of natural/environmental degradation [21] considering the thermal performance, air and water quality, proper sound insulation, noise reduction, provision for stormwater and wastewater management, and the protection of the biodiversity [22,23]. ...
... With the increasing environmental awareness, designers shifted their concerns in relating their creations to the mitigation of climate change impacts and prevention of natural/environmental degradation [21] considering the thermal performance, air and water quality, proper sound insulation, noise reduction, provision for stormwater and wastewater management, and the protection of the biodiversity [22,23]. Strategies in applying biophilic design include the following considerations: the building of water fountains, ponds, aquariums, and rainwater facilities and optimizing the natural water features to enhance the water sources and create a sense of closeness to water sources [24,26]; use of operable windows, vents to increase the natural ventilation [24][25][26]; use of glass walls, skylights atria, and reflective materials to allow the natural lighting; use of green roofs, green walls, and façade and placing of indoor potted plants to increase the green space and encourage positive and light mood [27]; imitating the contour and built of organisms in building forms, structural system and components to create connections with the environment and challenging the designer's creativity [20,28]. ...
... Heerwagen and Gregory [9] categorised seven major attributes whereas Kellert [13] listed six elements with 70 design attributes. Ryan et al. [20] refined these design elements of biophilic design with supportive qualitative and quantitative research in both the physiological and the psychological. Browning, recognising previous design attribute lists were unwieldy and potentially confronting for urban designers, consolidated the design attributes to the 14 patterns within three categories shown in Table 1. ...
... There is a motivation beyond the function. Indicators are Table 1 Patterns of biophilic design Adapted from [20] there that a shift in the approach to the human-nature urban connection has occurred to motivate this set of actions. The origins of biophilic design and the fact that it signifies a social shift in thinking contribute towards defining it as a social movement and is paving the way for a redefining of Homo Urbanus' relationship with nature, utilising the term biophilia introduced by Fromm in the 1960s. ...
Background
A new social movement called biophilic design has emerged over recent decades to enable greater connection between nature and urban populations to make biodiversity and natural systems a part of daily life in cities. Understanding the origins of this social movement can inform further progression, implementation and planning of biophilic design.
Results
The research methodology of immersion and heuristic inquiry within the social movement was used to create interviews with key people in the social movement’s origin and subsequent delivery. The results are presented using the three stages of a social movement: emergence, coalescence and mainstreaming. In each stage there are particular motivators and drivers that provide impetus to the movement which are outlined based on the responses of the participants.
Conclusions
The results were applied to the three stages of the social movement and translated into a framework of ten actions for mainstreaming the implementation of biophilic design into urban planning and policy as well as into professional practice.
... Architects should consider taking advantage of natural resources benefits on building performance, which relate to passive design and bioclimatic architecture (Ryan, Browning, Clancy, Andrews, & Kallianpurkar, 2014). From an architectural point of view, each site has the potential to incorporate passive design solutions to compensate for a specific proportion of the energy needs of the buildings, which is part of sustainable design. ...
... From a biophilic design point of view, access to thermal and airflow variability can be characterized as ambient qualities that, when combined, prompt feelings of comfort similar to those experienced in nature (Ryan et al., 2014). ...
In existing school buildings in Quebec, natural ventilation is often the only solution for thermal comfort and indoor air quality control. However, many studies show insufficiently ventilated classrooms, leading to indoor environment quality problems. Where the arbitrary use of natural ventilation can lead to energy overconsumption, several studies have been conducted on the role of natural ventilation on this issue, but few of them are addressed in very cold climates. This research investigates the impact of natural ventilation on thermal comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency of school buildings in cold climates. Various architectural parameters associated with windows were analyzed for a typical classroom in the Schola.ca corpus. Since most of these school buildings are not equipped with HVAC systems and have only infrastructures for conventional heating systems, the lack of indoor air quality is an inevitable problem. In this research, the windows' orientation, position, opening size, and opening position, natural ventilation program, and window-opening modes (single-sided and cross-window openings) were numerically simulated with the Ladybug Tools software. The software outputs consist of annual numerical data (temperature, humidity, mean radiant temperature, CO2 concentration, energy, and thermal) representing thermal comfort and IAQ performances in school buildings and their impacts on energy consumption efficiency. In analyzing the result, several standards and guidelines were used, including ASHRAE 55 standard models (Predicted Mean Vote PMV and Adaptive Thermal Comfort models ATC for thermal performance), the Health Canada and National Collaboration Centre for Environmental Health guideline, and the Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations REHVA to evaluate the building thermal and IAQ performances compared to the recommended benchmark models. The results show that repetitive short-term opening of the windows could be an optimal solution in terms of thermal comfort, indoor air quality, and heating energy consumption efficiency. Natural ventilation solutions could retrieve the lack of indoor air quality and the cost of HVAC system renovation; however, they should be only applied during cold seasons to avoid thermal discomfort and energy overconsumption.
... In their article Biophilic Design Patterns, authors Ryan et al. (2014) highlight the relationship between the surface of a material and its potential selection or adoption by a consumer. Findings from their analysis also indicated a link between the surface of a material and consumer perception. ...
... Understanding materiality for applications of environmental textiles requires that the designer considers a constellation of characteristics, including fiber content, fabrication processes, health implications, and visual and tactile qualities. Ryan et al. (2014). BIOPHILIC DESIGN PATTERNS: Emerging nature-based parameters for health and well-being in the built environment. ...
In 2021, a team of design faculty launched an interdisciplinary collaboration intended to identify cross-curricular development opportunities that emphasize sustainable textile attributes across both the fashion and interior design disciplines. The project, funded by Cotton Incorporated, highlights a shift in industry focus towards an evolving emphasis on health and well-being, acknowledging the impact COVID-19 has had on consumer behavior. These consumers tend to be more mindful of the material components used in their products and living spaces and more responsive to materials associated with sustainable development. In light of ongoing pandemic concerns, attention to consumer attitudes may impact design practitioners and design educators. In response to this call to action, the faculty team began examining opportunities for cross-collaboration, which could address a blend of environmentally conscious healthy living through design. Our starting point began with developing a literature review based on a search for comparable methodologies for enhanced textile-based curricular activities involving fashion and interior design. Our findings indicate opportunities where material selection systems may align across disciplines in facilitating sustainability education by empowering students with a more comprehensive understanding of potentially healthier materials. While this initial investigation is occurring in the context of the CTN INC grant requirements, our intention is for multidisciplinary collaboration between faculty and students to continue as standard practice within academia.
... We identified Natural Design as a relevant design approach in general with the potential to seamlessly embed interfaces into different types of environments while keeping them recognizable to the users. Moreover, the various definitions we identified align with the established approaches outside our community [8,70,86,91], which could in turn also benefit from our implications and the more user-centered perspective. ...
... In contrast, sustainable design makes use of biomaterials and nature-inspired mechanisms (biomimicry and biophilic desig [8]n) that may be a valuable extension to our current design implications, particularly for material designers. Biophilic design can further extend our current work by providing a deeper understanding of the psychological impact of the environment on its users and vice versa [12,70] when designing Natural Design contexts. ...
... Edward Wilson then took Fromm's preliminary findings and developed a broader, more comprehensive meaning to biophilia and biophilic design. There are many elements and aspects of biophilic design and three categories that are widely accepted: nature in the space, natural analogs, and nature of the space [16]. Nature in the space means that the design uses biophilia through direct use of in a space or a place. ...
... Of these categories, there are fourteen patterns for implementing biophilic design into the built environment: visual connection to nature, non-visual connection to nature, non-rhythmic sensory stimuli, access to thermal and airflow variability, presence of water, dynamic and diffuse light, connection with natural systems, biomorphic forms and patterns, material connection with nature, complexity and order, prospect, refuge, mystery, and risk or peril. These elements help satisfy the innate needs human beings have for living things and natural systems and can benefit individuals cognitively, emotionally, and physiologically [16]. ...
... The architectural components and spaces enclosures create a setting for human-bird interactions and enrich these interactions [16]. A comprehensive embodied perspective has been paid to the relationship between the body and the immediate environment in which it is situated [17][18][19]. Previous research on the association between varying degrees of enclosure and human psychological indicators points to the fact that exposure to open spaces has restorative benefits and has been demonstrated to be critical in stress reduction [20,21]. ...
... Feedback on emotions and Seligman's PERMA model of subjective well-being indicators were used to evaluate participants' experiences. The study found that positive sentiments in the natural environment contribute to an increased sense of well-being, which has been verified by earlier research [17,19,29,33]. Additionally, the researchers reported that interactions with birds in conditions (in this case, nature or route) result in a stronger human-nature connection. ...
Interactions between humans and animals benefit human health and well-being. There has been little study on the effects of bird encounters on people. This study addresses this conceptual gap by analyzing the results of a between-subjects experiment with 136 undergraduate students who were randomly assigned to experience one of four 360 stereo panorama virtual environments representing four encounters, namely "bird depicted in images," "Birds in a Cage," "Watching Birds in Nature inside a path," and "Birds in nature." Following their encounter in a virtual environment, participants assessed their experience in terms of spatial awareness, emotions, psychological well-being, and connection to nature through the use of an online survey. Standard descriptive statistics, correlation, Kruskal–Wallis, and post hoc Bonferroni analysis are used in data analysis. The findings suggested that experiences with birds in open surroundings were more likely to affect participants' spatial perception, emotions, psychological health potentials, and connection to nature than encounters with birds in confined places. This study is critical for environmental awareness since maintaining biodiversity and wildlife is inextricably linked to the potential well-being and quality of life of the human population who are part of the ecosystem.
... This detailed study focuses mainly on water elements and natural light. The presence of water elements in the environment can improve memory restoration and enhance feelings of peacefulness and other psychological responsiveness through observing, hearing, and touching water features (Ryan et al., 2014). Sanchez et al. (2018) revealed a correlation between daylight satisfaction and the capacity for concentration. ...
... When the physical environment matches their self-concept, their self-image congruity increases. Biophilia is the deep-rooted need to connect with nature, so there is evidence that biophilic elements are preferred over artificial ones (Ryan et al., 2014). Based on the self-congruency theory and the discussion above, the following hypothesis is proposed: H1. ...
The current study explored customers' psychological responses caused by biophilic design in the context of hotels and investigated the relationship between self-image congruity, delight, and subjective well-being of hotel guests. Based on a 2 × 2 between-subject experimental design, 390 participants were randomly assigned to different manipulated conditions. Data were subjected to ANOVA, and the results show non-significant differences between biophilic elements and customer psychological reactions and subjective well-being. Moreover, the findings evoked that customer self-image congruity and delight evoked subjective well-being through regression analysis. Theoretical and managerial implications are also discussed.
... Biophilic design, which is strongly related to people's emotional experiences, is thought to play a significant role in this loop [5]. As an environmental design philosophy that promotes public health through the healing effects of nature, biophilic design interprets the relationship between nature, space environment, and human health from the perspectives of biology and psychology [6]. In the past decade, there has been a substantial increase in research related to biophilic design published by scholars from various countries [7], with applications ranging from interior design and architectural design to parks, streetscapes, schools, and urban design [8,9]. ...
... The decorative dividing lines on the walls are crossed series a straight line, giving a serious and discreet impression. 6 Computational and Mathematical Methods in Medicine Natural elements such as animals and ocean glaciers set the mood, tension-relieving colors such as pink and blue. ...
Since the COVID-19 epidemic, there has been an increased need for well-being and sustainable development, making biophilic design in hospital environments even more significant. However, after investigation, it was found that in many countries including China, the biophilic design of some hospitals is seriously absent, while other parts have the integration of biophilic design, but the standardization and recognition are not high. By restoring the interaction between buildings and nature, biophilic design improves the quality of environments and the health of users. The basic theoretical framework of environmental psychology is followed in this research. The health promotion mechanism, applicable natural features, and relative health advantages of hospital space and environment biophilic design are first investigated. Furthermore, according to the current status of biophilic design applications in the 12 hospitals that have the closest interaction between people and the environment. Combined with the professional and functional requirements of the healthcare spaces and the users’ special demands, we propose appropriate update design methods. The goal of this study was to present ideas for healthy and efficient space environment design and to inspire sustainable environmental design for future healthcare environments.
... Factors contributing to tourists' accommodation preferences have always been taken into account by researchers [20,21]. Due to the importance of the issue, several studies in the last two years have concentrated on factors contributing to customers' preferences or expectations of their accommodation during the COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 eras. ...
... This attachment is reflected in preferences for organic building designs, materials, and shapes; nature-inspired places; and traditional life in the vicinity of nature. A common theme in the review of published articles on biophilic designs shows that people have been detached from nature because of the modern approach employed in designing buildings [21]. In the last few years, there has been great concern about the positive impacts of biophilic design on people's life [55,56]. ...
Since the COVID-19 crisis has caused the cancellation of a great number of travel plans in the last two years, this study examines the prospects of the post-COVID-19 era, during which we expect tourism will return strongly. The impact of the epidemic on people’s attitudes toward tourism, particularly their tourist choices, appears to be a major challenge for post-COVID-19 international tourism development. Very little is known about tourists’ accommodation preferences during the period emerging after the COVID-19 crisis. With a long and challenging experience of lockdowns, stress, and fear of disease, the current study attempts to examine peoples’ preferences for hotel attributes during the post-COVID-19 era. It examines factors contributing to peoples’ preferences for hotels with biophilic attributes. A total of 507 Iranian undergraduate and graduate students participated in the study. They answered questions on their perceived stress, level of depression, the specific burden of COVID-19, the perceived benefits of nature, and their preferences for biophilic design attributes in their accommodation. The online survey was conducted from August to October 2021. We found that the burden of COVID-19 increased the stress level of the respondents, which consequently increased the chance of depression. We further found that perceived stress and the benefits of nature significantly affect tourists’ preferences for exposure to nature and hotels with biophilic attributes. Based on the data, we suggest that the demand for biophilic buildings will be strongly increased during the post-COVID-19 era.
... In the context of healthcare services, greening the physical environment can be a critical instance of NBS application that influences patients' experience in a healthcare setting. For example, Ryan et al. (2014) claimed that exposure to natural/green features as NBS in a healthcare facility has a positive influence on patient outcomes (e.g., faster recovery time, shortened hospital stays, reduced mental stress/anxiety, and increased pain tolerance) and experience. This influence has additionally been recognized as a contributing factor to increased levels of patients' mental health and emotional wellbeing during medical visits or treatments in a healthcare setting (Beyer et al., 2014;Han & Hyun, 2019;Soga & Gaston, 2016) as well as reduced risk factors of some types of mental illness (Bratman et al., 2019). ...
The present study aims to evaluate a conceptual framework that explains patients' attachment to a healthcare establishment by considering the effect of a natural/green environment as nature-based solutions (NBS), mental health value, emotional wellbeing, and satisfaction. An online survey method was utilized to reach Romanian patients. Using this procedure, a total of 386 cases were used for the data analysis. Structural equation modeling was utilized as the data analysis method. Our findings reveal that natural/green environment as NBS significantly influences patients' mental health value, emotional wellbeing, and satisfaction, which contributes to an increase in their attachment to the healthcare facility. In addition, the mediating role of mental health value, emotional wellbeing, and satisfaction is uncovered. Our results can help healthcare managers and researchers develop strategies to effectively integrate natural/green features as NBS in the interior spaces of healthcare settings.
... By designing green public spaces that are inclusive and accessible for vulnerable groups, landscape architects can promote human health by accentuating the groups' "social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities" (WHO, 1986). Research into the relationship between exposure to nature (including green spaces) and human health is making strong progress, and has shown several health benefits, such as lowering psycho-physiological stress (Berto, 2014), restoring attention capacity (Ohly et al., 2016;Zhang et al., 2023), inducing positive mode (McMahan and Estes, 2015;Ryan et al., 2014), promoting social cohesion (Hartig et al., 2011;Lygum et al., 2013) and providing opportunities for physical activity (Salama et al., 2017;Thompson Coon et al., 2011). This in turn means that the work of landscape architects can also contribute to achieving SDG 3 "Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages" (UN, 2020). ...
Purpose
The point of departure for this viewpoint paper is the current development in which landscape architects are working towards achieving the United Nations sustainable development goals and the associated cross-cutting pledge “Leave No One Behind”. The sustainable development goals 3 and 11 can be achieved through landscape projects that are inclusive and health promoting, and the authors argue that an evidence-based design process is needed to ensure that project designs deliver what they promise. However, most landscape architects are not trained in evidence-based design and are therefore unsure of what can be used as evidence. A further challenge is the lack of relevant and applicable research evidence for design processes.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors present a process model for evidence-based health design in landscape architecture as an overall framework on which the authors base their arguments. The model includes four topics of evidence: target group, human health, environment and use of nature. For each topic, the authors present their view on what may be considered as evidence and where it can be found or generated. The study view is supported by a detailed presentation of where and how evidence was found and generated in a design project for an accessible and health-promoting forest trail for people with mobility disabilities.
Findings
The authors suggest a broad definition of evidence, and that the design process should draw on evidence from relevant research and practice disciplines. Evidence can be found in multiple sources, for example, scientific articles, theoretical works and design guidelines. It can also be generated by landscape architects themselves, for example, through landscape analyses and stakeholder workshops. The evidence should guide and support the landscape architect and not dictate the design process.
Practical implications
The authors hope that the knowledge provided on the evidence-based health design process and on where to collect or how to generate evidence may inspire landscape architects in their future health design projects.
Originality/value
People with mobility disabilities face many health challenges and should potentially be able to benefit from visiting green spaces. The authors hope that the knowledge provided on the evidence-based health design process and on where to collect or how to generate evidence may inspire landscape architects in their future health design projects.
... Biophilic design in architecture includes aspects such Then, Kellert and Calabrese [28] introduced the first theoretical frame for biophilic design that includes human experience in three categories that are "direct nature experience, indirect nature experience, and space and place experience". Ryan et al. [29] produced a list consisting of 14 nature-based design models that are nature in the space, natural analogues, and nature of the space. ...
Nature is a necessary need for everyone, so knowing, exploring and learning about nature are processes that must be acquired during childhood. Exterior and interior spaces need to be reorganized as spaces that children use and get benefit from so, they will want to learn, raise their sense of discovery, and provide them to be individuals who are self-confident. Innovative approaches are required for children to protect them, support a healthy life style, and strengthen their bond to the nature in their daily life. Therefore, access to nature through “biophilic design” is possible in terms of children’s daily lives. Supporting children’s development in the best way possible is an important start for a qualified education period. Thus, a qualified pre-school education environment is the most effective tool to provide children’s psychomotor, cognitive, and socio-emotional spaces. The aim of this study is to investigate how children can make a connection to nature during their pre-school education and determine how the interior and semi-open spaces they live in can be integrated to biophilic elements. In this context, developed a design proposal in Zübeyde Hanım Kindergarten, which is chosen as the pilot application area in Kırklareli city.
... N° 22. Diciembre 2022 Un ejemplo de la inclusión de estos elementos son las propuestas del diseño biofílico que, de acuerdo con Kellert et al. (2008), es una estrategia de diseño sustentable para reconectar a los habitantes de las ciudades con el entorno natural. Esta promoción de los elementos naturales como agentes que potencializan el dinamismo de las ciudades ha llevado a realizar investigaciones que validan los beneficios psicofisiológicos y cognitivos proporcionados por la aplicación de la biofília en propuestas de diseño (Ryan et al., 2014) y generar el concepto de "arquitectura biofílica", donde la naturaleza es el eje rector de la propuesta de diseño, apoyándose en la conexión innata con la naturaleza de los humanos (Beatle, 2010). En la Figura 1 se puede observar una categorización realizada por Kellert y Calabrese (2015) de tres rubros básicos en el diseño de la naturaleza urbana a partir del tipo de experiencia del usuario. ...
La psicología ambiental es un campo transdisciplinario interesado en las interacciones entre el medio sociofísico y la conducta humana. Sus aportaciones teórico-epistemológicas y metodológicas han comprobado cómo el contacto con la naturaleza urbana próxima inmersa en las ciudades es una actividad que beneficia la salud física, fisiológica, social, ambiental y psicológica, validando que la presencia de los espacios públicos verdes con buen diseño urbano-paisajístico benefician la percepción ambiental del paisaje urbano y su producción socioespacial gracias a mensajes connotativos y denotativos que se concatenan con los componentes psicológicos de la sustentabilidad. Este conjunto de elementos cognitivo-conductuales, emocionales y socioambientales como eje rector del plan social urbano resulta necesario por las transacciones que el ser humano mantiene con los entornos sociofísicos de trascendencia social y espacial, situación que permea en la conceptualización, resignificación, apropiación y uso de aquello que ofrece el medio. De esta manera, el comportamiento sustentable se vincula con la función socioambiental de la naturaleza urbana próxima y, al ser parte de la traza urbana, su valor emocional, físico, social, cultural, ambiental y psicológico centran discursos y reflexiones en torno a una sustentabilidad multifactorial necesaria en el funcionamiento y desarrollo de las ciudades contemporáneas.
... Biophilia is defined as the tendency to relate to nature, which is essential for the physical and mental health and well-being of people in modern life (Kellert & Wilson, 1993;Kellert, 1997;Kellert, 2012). Ryan et al. (2014) explains the concept of biophilia as people's need to connect with nature. Biophilic design aims to create a suitable habitat for humans as a biological organism in the modern built environment that improves people's health, well-being, and well-being (Kellert & Calabrese, 2015). ...
... Even within the same concept of "environmental sustainability", each architect or researcher has their own design theory and philosophy. Biophilic, biomimetic, resilience, restorative, permaculture and regenerative [31], theories are all related to the concept of environmental architecture and focus on improving the long-term harmony between humans and nature [32,33]. Ecological design enhances the importance of the "biological" and "social" aspects of ecology [34]. ...
Architectural construction is responsible for the consumption of large amounts of resources, so the optimization of architectural design and evaluation is significant for sustainable global development. Most architectural assessments focus on energy conservation, novel materials and eco-friendly strategies, but without agreed indicators and criteria. Since the consideration of natural aspects is somewhat fuzzy and vague, this study utilized data mining technology to explore the major factors related to relationships between buildings and nature. By employing the popular technique of web crawling, this study collected 38,320 architectural descriptions from the “Archdaily”, including descriptions of 11 types of buildings, four of which were taken as typical research representatives. The 100 most frequent words were used to create a word cloud. Using Python script, all of the text was refined and processed with the word2vec model, thereby allowing to conduct Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC). The frequency of words related to natural aspects were analyzed within 15 architectural design elements. Different building types in different areas have obvious similarities in terms of design elements, so it is feasible to adopt the same evaluation factors for the building evaluation systems of different regions. This paper mainly focuses on improving the accuracy and validity of assessment by providing basic evaluation indicators that could enhance connections between design and evaluation progress, stimulating the improvement of building environmental performance.
... In this context, the concept of biophilic design (i.e., the inherent affinity people have for the green/natural spaces) has received growing attention among environmental psychology researchers. Several studies reported that the implementation of biophilic design principles into the interior spaces of healthcare settings reduced mental/psychological stress, increased pain tolerance, improved mental fatigue, shortened hospital stays, enhanced immune function, re-lieved mental anxiety and/or facilitated faster and more complete physical and psychological healing among patients [11][12][13].These biophilic environments have been additionally recognized as contributing to enhanced perceptions of medical care among patients, increased levels of satisfaction with the care received and, eventually, a higher loyalty toward the healthcare provider [14]. Other research also showed that patients who are satisfied with medical care during their hospitalization tend to follow medical regimens, recover faster from illness and are more likely to return to that healthcare provider for other medical investigations [15][16][17][18][19]. ...
Background: Existing studies revealed that exposure to green spaces within healthcare establishments has multiple physical and mental health benefits to patients. In this context, the concept of biophilic design has received growing attention among environmental psychology researchers. Several studies indicated that the positive effect of green environment may be different for males and females. Therefore, the present study sought to investigate the influence of biophilic design elements (i.e., green items and natural light) on patients'self-rated mental health value, satisfaction with medical care, and loyalty toward the healthcare establishment. The study also investigated the possible influence of gender differences in the relationships between the variables. Methods: A structural equation modeling was employed as a data analysis technique. Results: Our empirical result indicated that biophilic design elements significantly improved the patients' self-rated mental health value, and this dimension had a positive effect on their satisfaction with medical care and loyalty toward the health care facility. Our findings indicated that the relationships among biophilic design elements, self-rated mental health value, satisfaction with medical care, and loyalty toward the healthcare establishment were substantially different across male and female groups. Moreover, self-rated mental health value and satisfaction with medical care acted as significant mediators between bio-philic design elements and loyalty. Conclusions: Results of this study offer healthcare practitioners and researchers valuable strategies to effectively incorporate biophilic design elements into the interior spaces of a healthcare establishment. Keywords: biophilic design; healthcare facility; gender; self-rated mental health value; satisfaction; loyalty
... From the Factor analysis results in chapter five (section 5.2.1.5, p. [111][112][113][114][115][116][117][118][119][120][121][122], it was showed that in the perspective of teachers and students the most important parameter to them was 'integration parts to whole'. This means that there was a good presence for this parameter in schools. ...
Biophilic architecture is the designing tool that enhance human and nature relationship. Biophilic design with its patterns and attributes revealed many positive impacts on users, it increases wellbeing, increases productivity, reduce stress, and enhance environment through design of buildings. But, in Erbil city there is a lack of a comprehensive vision on how to assess and measure parameters related to biophilic architectural design. Also, there is a gap in assessing spatial configuration in school buildings and determining the quantity of naturalness of view from permeable openings. This research tries to find the presence of parameters of biophilic design and the percentage of visibile nature from openings in schools in Erbil city. Also, the research attempts to find the relation and coordination between parameters of biophilic design with parameters of Space Syntax. On the other hand, the research seeks to find the relation between biophilic design, Space Syntax and Nature Syntax through Space/Nature methodology. In addition, the research compares between the comprehension of students and teachers toward availability of parameters of this design approach. There are nine case studies selected for this study. The research adopted Cross-disciplinary methodology and mixed method methodology, that encompasses quantitative method which include (questionnaire, Space Syntax, Nature Syntax and Space/Nature Syntax), qualitative method that contains (checklist and photograph). The results showed there is presence of biophilic design parameters but with different percentages in schools. In the comparison between quantitative and qualitative methods results, the research showed a significant difference because of the difference in comparable parameters. The study also validated the Space/Nature Syntax methodology. Moreover, it presented that there is a parallel relationship between parameters of biophilic design and Space Syntax. Also, it showed that there is visibility of nature from corridors and classrooms in schools with different percentages. Furthermore, the results also showed negative relationship between the perception of students and teachers. In the conclusion found that there is presence of features of this trend of designing in schools but their presence is not sufficient. Also, it was concluded that Space Syntax can be adopted as an objective tool for measuring biophilic design parameters. This study contributed to open vistas for the new generation of architects, to be more aware about this trend of designing and they can consider the International School of Choueifat-Erbil and International School of Fakhir Mergasori as a base for this approach of designing. The study provided an objective tool of designing to biophilic design as Space Syntax and Nature Syntax.
... Unfortunately, contemporary society has failed to support the human desire to connect with nature [6]. Society has consistently erected various barriers to a possible satisfying interaction with the natural world and often treats nature as a source of raw material that needs transformation through technology or a pleasant but not inevitable aesthetic amenity. ...
Biophilic design has contributed to creating built environments within a taste of nature. The tangible features offer the occupants psychological restoration, releasing stress and mental fatigue. To achieve this, previous researchers have found biophilic design amongst a list of many other design approaches to have the potential to contribute to this topic. This research aimed to examine the biophilic design practices in the current build environment in public buildings, homes, and workplaces. The study, therefore, employed a systematic review method alongside a narrative synthesis approach. In this regard, essential inputs from a body of research on the impact of biophilic design on psychology and public health were considered. The research found that elements such as natural daylight, ventilation, and living architecture have been used to develop well-designed buildings capable of improving users' health and well-being. To achieve the status of a restorative-built environment, the study suggests that designers must provide for natural elements such as forest-like landscapes, natural water features, and natural light.
... It is to form buildings as objects that are the "self-evident part of their surrounding" ( [50], p. 17). ADAD provides a design methodology with the biophilic design postulates of complexity and order, characterised by the presence of rich sensory information that is configured with a coherent spatial hierarchy, similar to the occurrence of design in nature [62]. ...
Technical durability and aesthetical longevity of building skins are among the fundamental demands of sustainable architecture in terms of building fabric’s physical changes due to deterioration. This concept paper presents a design concept intended to fill the existing gap related to the limited durability of buildings and non-existing design methods for its effective extension. The study concentrates on the anticipation and assimilation of disintegration processes occurring in time into the architectural design methodology to promote the design techniques focused on the visual expression of the coexistence of nature and the artificial in the function of time. This study investigates the building’s enclosure as an active boundary through which the building’s interaction with the natural environment occurs, as well as a regulator of the building’s energy performance and a factor conditioning their durability. The consideration of formal and esthetical deconstruction in architectural design is followed by the analyses of some relevant examples of completed buildings and cultural determinants underlying this issue. The proposed Apparent Destruction Architectural Design (ADAD) concept addresses the time-dependency of the building skins’ physical properties manifested by the deterioration, destruction and re-figuration of the building’s fabric. This design concept offers a solution to the disturbing problem of architecture’s impermanence enhances the issue of sustainability of the building’s fabric in time, becomes a means to search for the unconventional comprehension and vision of architecture, as well as to reframe the architectural design toward its compliance with sustainability postulates through the aesthetic concept.
... 44), " . . . the sheer amount of information or the number of elements present in a scene . . . " Whereas complexity refers to the quantity of directly perceivable information, mystery is the degree to which a scene promises to offer more information if one walks further in such a scene [40,41]. The new information to be discovered is not visible from the original point of view [4] (p. 55). ...
Exposure to outside views creates opportunities to distract and experience feelings of relaxation. To explore the relationship between the environmental qualities of the views with such psychological states, 89 participants from seven Mexican states evaluated the views they contemplated during the confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Items on fascination, cognitive well-being, and how relaxing and helpful the views were to withstand the confinement were answered. Participants took photographs of the views, which were evaluated according to 41 environmental dimensions, considering the built elements, vegetation, and visibility. Based on these dimensions, a classification of the views into categories was realized with multidimensional scaling. The five categories obtained were (a) immersive views of extensive landscapes with vegetation, (b) non-immersive views of landscapes with vegetation, (c) views of courtyards with vegetation, (d) views of commonplace scenes, and (e) views of mostly built elements. The categories generating the highest and lowest relaxation, fascination, and cognitive well-being were identified. The views of extensive landscapes with vegetation and the views of courtyards were the categories presenting the most favorable psychological effects. Furthermore, a partial correlation network found direct relations between the environmental and psychological dimensions. Fascination relates to the observation of distant elements, mountains, and trees. Meanwhile, relaxation correlates with the presence of plants and anticorrelates with car visibility, the quantity of the windows of the visible buildings, and the variety of built elements. Relaxation was the psychological state with the highest direct relation with the environmental dimensions. Meanwhile, the perceived immersion (the feeling of being outdoors), the quantity of plants, and the attractiveness of the built elements were the environmental aspects most directly related to the psychological dimensions. The multiplicity of environmental and architectural qualities considered allowed specific implications for architecture to be obtained. An integrated configuration of the natural and the built elements, and a limited quantity and variation of the built elements were qualities that generated positive outcomes in the observers of the views
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The study is aimed to analyze cases of hotel room designs based on the 'Art Quotient'. It is focused on design elements of livability, analyzing the space design in terms of biophilic design and experiential marketing. This paper proposes a direction for hotel design based on the analysis result. The scope of the study includes the cases of 17 hotels in the area of Seoul achieving five stars in Korea. This paper presents an analysis of whether the room space of hotels provides a user-oriented life experience from the perspective of biophilic design and experiential marketing. In this study, we focused on the concept of 'refuge', one of the biophilic design elements that express the value of life sense, and the element of 'sense', one of the strategic experiential modules of experiential marketing. After analyzing the hotel case studies, the space was evaluated using five factors of art quotient as a design method to provide a life experience in the hotel room. Analysis of the design space from the viewpoint of refuge, rather than architectural elements, proved that decorative elements appeared most commonly in all hotel rooms. Further, through an analysis based on the measures of ‘sense’, an experiential element, visual elements were mostly enforced in among the elements of the five senses. In other words, when designing a hotel room space, visual elements such as color, pattern, furniture, lighting and style are mainly utilized. Examining the analysis of the design elements from the point of view of the art quotient, the rooms of all the hotel's suite types include elements of 'communication'. Most of the hotel rooms focused on stimulating the aesthetic sensibility of customers. This resulted in the elements of ‘immersion’ showing poor results. In conclusion, it is necessary to provide the five senses of the art index in a balanced manner to provide a life experience through the five senses.
... Thus, actual or virtual visual connection with multiple green areas with various green elements allow for different affordances to be actualized, as they enlarge the range of activities students can pursue to better accommodate their diverse restorative needs (Gulwadi et al., 2019). Ryan et al. (2014) characterizes non-visual connection to nature by auditory, haptic, olfactory, or gustatory stimuli that engender a positive reference to nature. Grahn and Stigsdotter (2010) provide a set of perceived sensory dimensions that emerge from embodied relations with the environment-affiliating with nature through these qualities results in restoration from stress. ...
University Campuses remain important settings for nurturing and supporting student health and quality of life (QoL). Research shows the health benefits of nature experiences may be facilitated by campus spaces and activities that afford connectedness. Connectedness to nature, others, and self may allow students to cope with mental fatigue, stress, and a constant need for restoration. Despite recent encouraging trends, we still lack an integrative conceptual framework to describe the mechanisms involved in achieving connectedness for making recommendations for campus design. In this conceptual review, we examine students’ connectedness in campus settings in relation to biophilic elements and attributes. We aim to understand how both direct and indirect pursuits in nature and also place-based experiences on campus foster connectedness and consequently impact students’ health and QoL. Our analysis shows that connectedness seen through the lens of Kellert’s biophilic design principles and aided by Alexander’s pattern language provides a relational and long-term perspective on recommending strategies for connecting students to nature, to others, and to themselves in campus settings.
... In the education environment, biophilic learning spaces can have a positive impact on student success [5]. Beyond self-reporting and physiological and cognitive measurements [6,7,8], an understanding of how biophilic design influences students' neurophysiological responses can lay a foundation for evidence-based design [9,10,11] In the previous literature investigating the effects of biophilic indoor environments, physiological methods were used to measure stress and anxiety levels by monitoring heart rate variability, heart rate, skin conductance levels, blood pressure and cognitive and productivity performance by recording eye-tracking, blood pressure, galvanic skin response, and heart rate in the workplace [12,13,14,15]. However, few studies explored the effects of biophilic design on the students' brain physiological responses in learning spaces. ...
This pilot study explores the effects of biophilic design on university students' neurophysiological responses in virtual classrooms through measuring relative alpha and beta power using EEG in two different display conditions: a conventional computer display and an immersive VR Head-Mounted Display. Seventeen male undergraduate students from both a design major and a non-design major in their twenties at Yonsei University participated. Seven different biophilic design cases were presented as visual stimuli to participants in the two different conditions. Results of ANOVA analysis revealed significant main effects of condition and hemisphere in the relative alpha power. Results revealed there is significant interaction effect between case and major as well as between condition, case, hemisphere, and major in relative beta power. Results showed statistically significant differences in some electrodes of both relative alpha and relative beta measurements between some cases when presented in the computer display. In the VR presentation, differences were found only in the relative beta in some electrodes. This study has the potential to contribute to building evidence-based design strategies for improving biophilic design environments.
... Biyomimetik kavramı son dönemlerde özellikle post modernizm akımının çevre dostu düşüncesi doğrultusunda daha önem kazanmış ve farklı mimar ve düşünürler tarafından fikir ve proje olarak ortaya konulmuştur (Zari, 2007). diğer düşüncelerden farklı, Greg Lynn teorisinde ekoloji ve organizmaların yanısıra teknolojide etkin kullanmış, ayrıca doğa ve doğadaki nesnelerin daha farklı bakış açısından bakılmasını ortaya çıkarmıştır (Oryan, 2014 Bu araştırmanın sonucu Greg Lynn'nin düşünce ve projelerin incelemesi ve analinden elde edilen bulgular şu şekilde sınıflandırılmaktadır: ...
Nature and the species within it have developed solutions or modified themselves in response to changing environmental conditions. As a result, they have managed to keep their species alive in the universe for billions of years. It is more useful in the structure and installation process of architectural buildings to utilize existing solutions in nature in the design of buildings. As a result, today's movement toward nature has become an essential component of architectural designs. As a result, terminology including biomimetics, biomimesis, and eco-tech have lately been utilized to depict the link between nature and architecture. Many thinkers and architects have proposed various ideas and methodologies in this regard, including Greg Lynn's discussion of technology and biology in a common framework and presentation of numerous terminologies and phenomena in design concepts. The relationship between nature and architecture was addressed using various approaches in the present study, and Greg Lynn's concepts and terminology were analyzed. The translation of digitization and programs into a concept in building design is discussed by explaining the connections between nature and microorganisms. This terminology and facts were examined in light of Greg Lynn's embryological houses and the Presbyterian church's design. As a result, the impact of nature's micro-structural organisms on building design has been assessed, and the role and impact of nature on future architectural constructions has been discussed.
Keywords: Biomimetics, Embryological Houses, Blobitecture, Life Forms
Son yıllarda popüler bir kavram olan biyofili, insanın doğuştan gelen ‘doğaya ve doğada bulunan canlılara’ karşı hissettiği duygusal yakınlık, mimari bağlamda yapılı çevrelerde insan ve doğa etkileşimini ifade ederken doğanın yararlı etkilerinin sürdürülmesine de olanak tanıyan tasarımı tanımlanmaktadır. Günümüzde ekoloji ve doğal çevreyi koruma, insan sağlığını destekleme ve sürdürülebilir tasarımı gerçekleştirmedeki değeriyle biyofilik tasarım / iyileştirici tasarım / terapötik çevre, modern mimari stratejilerinden biri olarak kabul görmektedir. Biyofilik tasarım, tüm dünyada olduğu gibi ülkemizdeki araştırmalara da konu olmaya başlamıştır. Lisansüstü tezlerde biyofilik tasarıma karşılık gelen “biyofilik mimari, iyileştiren mimari, terapötik mimari” anahtar kelimeleri ile yapılan çalışmalar taranmıştır. Çalışma için tarama, Yükseköğretim Kurulu Ulusal Tez Merkezi’nde “gelişmiş arama” bölümünde “tümünde (tez adı, özet, konu, dizin)”, “içinde geçsin” şeklinde sözdizimleri kullanılarak yapılan tarama ile 24 teze ulaşılmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda, konuyla ilgili Yükseköğretim Kurulu Ulusal Tez Merkezi veri tabanında 01.06.2022 tarihine kadar ulaşılabilen tezler arasında; 2021 yılında en çok tezin üretildiği, en fazla çalışmanın Gazi Üniversitesi, İzmir Ekonomi Üniversitesi, Mimar Sinan Güzel Sanatlar Üniversitesi, Bahçeşehir Üniversitesi ve İstanbul Teknik Üniversitesi’nde gerçekleştirildiği, tez çalışmalarında sağlık yapıları üzerine araştırmaların daha ağırlıklı olduğu belirlenmiştir. Tezlerde nitel ve nicel araştırma türünün birlikte kullanıldığı, anket uygulamaları ile desteklendiği ve anahtar kelime olarak en fazla “biyofili” kavramının tekrarlandığı da tespit edilmiştir. Literatürde biyofilik mimari ile ilgili yapılan lisansüstü tezler son yıllarda artış gösterse de genel nitelikler ve çeşitlilik bağlamında çalışmaların azlığı bu alandaki boşluğu göstermektedir. İyileştirici etkiye sahip mimari niteliklerin benimsenerek çok daha fazla yapı türüne entegre edilmesi için bu çalışma, yeni araştırmalara katkı sunmayı hedeflemektedir.
Nature' and biophilic design have drawn a lot of attention in architecture over the past 10 years, particularly in reaction to the mounting environmental problems. Regarding how to conceptualise and address "nature" in practise and study, there are still debates and unanswered concerns. In order to analyse biophilic design as a theoretical framework to understand "nature" in architecture, this study reviews the relevant literature. The ensuing queries are addressed: (1) How did the idea of "biophilic design" come about, and what does it mean? (2) How might biophilic design advance the aims of sustainable construction? (3) What are the main biophilic design principles? The basic frameworks of biophilic design are identified, contrasted, and their essential components are explained in this review. Then, we examine the advantages (such as improved health and wellbeing, The sustainable Development Goals provide as a framework for the role of biophilic design in attaining sustainability. These goals focus on productivity, biodiversity, and circularity. The findings show that biophilic design, which encompasses various aspects of nature, including physical, sensory, conceptual, morphological, material, and spiritual nature, is more complicated and richer than simply using vegetation in buildings. Moreover, knowledge gaps are noted to spur further investigation and critical evaluations of biophilic design techniques.
The COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic has posed greater challenges to older adults, especially those who live in congregated long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in dense urban settings. These facilities struggle with high rates of COVID-19 infections and other challenges that undermine LTCF residents’ well-being. These challenges, including social isolation and limited access to nature and community, have been exacerbated by the pressures of the pandemic. This has led to feelings of loneliness, depression, and other mental health issues among residents and a higher risk of psychological stress and infection among nurses. The pandemic has challenged the existing built environment of LTCFs. Issues regarding physical and mental health, quality of life (QoL), infection control, and pandemic resiliency have been shown to be increasingly interwoven. This chapter envisions innovative approaches toward a post-COVID-19 environment for older adults and their caregivers. This chapter provides an extensive review and synthesis of the lessons learned from LTCFs during the pandemic, with a focus on how their experience was impacted by design. The authors also draw from current design trends to identify their potential to support residents’, staff, and visitors’ needs during and after pandemics. From these learnings, the following design principles were developed: (1) small household model, (2) biophilic design, (3) intergenerational community, and (4) multi-tier infection control strategies. These design principles were then translated to a prototype through a graduate capstone studio project, which provides a visual illustration of how these evidence-based design solutions can be applied within a dense urban environment.
This pilot study explores the effects of biophilic design on university students’ neurophysiological responses in virtual classrooms through measuring relative alpha and beta power using EEG in two different display conditions: a conventional computer display and an immersive VR Head-Mounted Display. Seventeen male undergraduate students in their twenties in South Korea participated. Seven different biophilic design cases were presented as visual stimuli to participants in the two different conditions. Results of ANOVA analysis revealed significant main effects of condition and hemisphere in the relative alpha power. Results revealed there is significant interaction effect between case and major as well as between condition, case, hemisphere, and major in relative beta power. This study has the potential to contribute to building evidence-based design strategies for improving biophilic design environments.
This paper investigates team psychological safety (N = 34 teams) in a synchronous online engineering design class spanning 4 weeks. While work in this field has suggested that psychological safety in virtual teams can facilitate knowledge-sharing, trust among teams, and overall performance, there have been limited investigations of the longitudinal trajectory of psychological safety, when the construct stabilizes in a virtual environment, and what factors impact the building of psychological safety in virtual teams.
Günümüzde, yaşanan çevresel ve toplumsal problemlerin çözümü için sürdürülebilir tasarım yaklaşımları geliştirilmektedir. Özellikle kentsel alanlarda sınırlı yeşil alanların bulunması, kent sakinleri üzerinde doğaya ve doğanın sunmuş olduğu fiziksel ve ruhsal olumlu etkilere yönelik artan bir ihtiyaç uyandırmaktadır. Bununla birlikte küresel pandemi sürecinin getirmiş olduğu yeni dünya düzeni ile evlerde geçirilen süre artmış ve doğadan kopuş ile yaşanan olumsuzluklar bu ihtiyacın önemini bir kez daha ortaya koymuştur. Bu noktada, insan-doğa arasındaki ilişkinin yeniden kurulması için insanoğlunun doğayla doğuştan gelen biyolojik bağı ve diğer yaşam biçimleriyle ilişki kurma dürtüsü olarak tanımlanan “biyofili” kavramı tasarımcıların dikkatini çekmiştir. Yapılan çalışmalar, doğayla temasın, insanın fiziksel ve zihinsel sağlığında temel bir rol oynadığını göstermektedir. Bu bağlamda insan-doğa ilişkisinin yeniden kurulmasında ve güçlendirilmesinde, iyileştiren mekanlar tasarlamak amacıyla biyofilik tasarım parametreleri geliştirilmiştir. Bu çalışmada “Doğayla yeniden bağlantı kurarak insanların sağlığını ve esenliğini iyileştirmeye odaklanan çözümlere ulaşmak için yerel mimarinin öğretileri neler olabilir?” sorusundan yola çıkarak yerel mimari konut örneklerinde biyofilik parametrelerin varlığı araştırılmıştır. Buradan hareketle çalışmanın amacı, “Yer”in sağladığı imkanların, fiziksel çevrenin ve kullanıcıların ihtiyaçları doğrultusunda şekillenen yerel konut mimarisinin biyofilik tasarım parametreleri bağlamında incelenmesidir. Bu yapılar üzerinde biyofilik kodların deşifre edilmesinin bugünün mimarisine referans sağlayabileceği düşünülmektedir. Bu çerçevede, öncelikle, biyofilik yaklaşımı üzerine kavramsal bir altlık oluşturmak üzere geliştirilmiş mevcut sınıflandırmalara yer verilmiştir. Daha sonra, alan çalışması için ülkemizin farklı iklim bölgelerini temsil eden geleneksel/yerel mimari örnekleri biyofilik tasarım parametreleri üzerinden incelenmiştir. Seçilen konutlarda biyofilik bileşenlerinin anlamı araştırılmış ve tartışılmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlar ışığında, geleneksel mimarinin temel yönlerini biyofilik ilkeler ile yeniden düşünmenin, tasarımcılara, çağdaş, sürdürülebilir ve yaşamı zenginleştiren konutlar tasarlama sürecinde yol gösterici olacağını söylemek mümkündür.
The decline of biodiversity is progressing at an alarming scale and pace. A strengthening of relations between humans and nature may hold the key to a sustainable future, having the potential to increase human awareness of planetary well-being. Recently, urban actors across the world have seemingly accelerated the integration of Regenerative Thinking into strategies targeting biodiversity. Approaching a well-established urban planning and design practice with a new ideology, urban actors must tackle how to integrate this new arena of Regenerative Thinking in their work. This case study analyzes how urban actors such as architects and planners translate ideas of biodiversity into urban development in Copenhagen. The study identifies drivers and barriers related to the integration of biodiversity in Copenhagen and discuss potentials and challenges in this relation, including asking whether a new methodology such as a dialogue tool might have the potential to support urban actors working with biodiversity. The study concludes that urban actors are experiencing a range of drivers and challenges related to their work with biodiversity, and new methodologies seems to be needed. The study is an initial explorative component of a larger case study planned to be key content of a Ph.D. thesis.
Healthcare facilities nowadays employ biophilic design to reduce patient stress and promote medical outcomes. Using a case study approach, this research investigated the characteristics of biophilic design implemented in the lobby of three general hospitals known for their nature-oriented design concepts, based on the 14 patterns of biophilic design framework. It was found that various biophilic features were integrated into the lobby design to provide occupants with both direct and indirect experiences of nature. The most common biophilic features were indoor garden, vertical green wall, water feature and skylight. It was also noted that natural materials such as wood were used throughout the lobby design. Another design point was the inclusion of artwork and structures inspired by nature. This paper provides insight into the applications of biophilic design in hospital lobbies and can serve as a basis for nature-based design and research.
Current literature and guidelines on sustainable design often debate on the advantages of natural ventilation (NV) and mechanical ventilation (MV) on indoor environment and energy consumption. The present systematic review explores the existing literature comparing NV and MV on the indoor comfort and well-being points of view. The findings emphasize that thermo-hygrometric comfort is the main driver of occupants’ ventilation behavior, while ventilation design is mainly led by indoor air quality targets. Moreover, more recent papers (especially after COVID-19 outbreak) emphasize the necessity of a health-based approach, contrasting airborne pathogens transmission. In this sense, MV is more frequently recommended in public spaces, while hybrid ventilation (HV) is often suggested as a solution to both ensure proper indoor conditions and energy savings. The concept of well-being is currently under-explored, as the present literature only refers to comfort. The same happens with topics such as visual, acoustic, and multi-domain comfort, as well as passive techniques such as night cooling, or analysis of specific environments such as healthcare facilities. Current knowledge would benefit from an expansion of future research in these directions. The choice of the best ventilation solution cannot ignore the context, type, and condition of energy efficient buildings, in order to properly take into account occupants’ well-being.
This work-in-progress aims to present educational content and pedagogical tools so that the Fractal Mindset may be defined, developed, and taught at different levels of education. The educational model will draw from a theoretical understanding of fractal patterns. A fractal pattern is a mathematical concept which defines a pattern that is self-similar across multiple scales. These patterns describe the complexity we see in nature and beyond while underlying positive psychological and physiological wellbeing responses. The novelty of this research lies in the leveraging of fractal patterning to create educational content and tools that value three branches: connections with nature, dimensions of wellbeing, and wicked problems in design thinking. In pursuit of the research aim, the following question is posed: what considerations must be satisfied for the Fractal Mindset’s educational content and pedagogical tools to be effective in expanding student perspectives at each educational level – general public, middle school, and undergraduate?KeywordsFractalsWellbeingEducationPedagogyBiophiliaNature
The rising pace of urbanization has led to an unprecedented demand for buildings and other construction activities. The modern urban environment is often characterized by its concrete buildings, tall skyscrapers and uniformity in physical features and appearance. It has symbolized the almost violent expunge of the natural world not only from our physical environment, but also our psyche. Biophilic design as a trend incorporates the use of natural or nature-inspired systems and processes in the design of the built environment, thereby initiating an integration or re-integration of nature into our daily lives. The present paper aims to review the concept of biophilic design, its attributes and theoretical perspectives as well as its implications for human mental health. The probable challenges of its implementation in the Indian context have also been discussed. The review follows a narrative approach, and an effort was made to review researches conducted in the last fifteen years. Secondary data were taken from PubMed, Google Scholar and JSTORE using relevant keywords. The concept of biophilic design is gradually gaining momentum as part of the rising environmental consciousness. While it has found a footing in the realm of architecture, social sciences are yet to take it up in any considerable manner. The review found enough scientific evidence supporting positive effects of biophilic design architecture on human mental health. However, the extent and duration of these positive effects is not clear. In addition, the interaction of biophilic design elements with individual characteristics and contextual factors such as culture and class requires more exploration. In India, even though biophilic design practice are available, there is a lack of academic literature exploring the same. Further multidisciplinary research is required in order to establish biophilic design as a viable design alternative. In current times, it has become pertinent to explore alternatives that promote environmental protection and rejuvenation of “human–nature” relationship, biophilic design offers one such opportunity.KeywordsBiophiliaBiophilic designHuman healthNature and well-being
Halden prison in Norway was architecturally designed to create a humane space conducive to mental wellbeing and motivation for personal growth. However, little is known about how those imprisoned perceive these design choices and its impact on their daily lived experience. The current study uses data from surveys and semi-structured interviews to examine the perceptions of incarcerated men at Halden regarding the prison’s design and its effect on overall impressions of the prison, therapeutic benefits and experiences of punishment. Findings indicate that although incarcerated individuals acknowledge the positive design elements of the prison, they do not perceive a therapeutic or motivational benefit. Furthermore, certain ‘pains’ of imprisonment persist within this environment, and the juxtaposition of therapeutic design elements and security practices may have unintended punitive effects. Results from this study serve as an important counterbalance to overwhelmingly favorable impressions of Halden’s design as mitigating the pains of imprisonment while promoting rehabilitation.
The experience of nature can bring various psychological benefits, including attention restoration, stress recovery, and mood improvement. Application of biophilic design principles to incorporate various forms of natural elements in workplaces can improve their occupants’ productivity and psychological well-being. However, most of the research regarding restorative environments to date has been focused exclusively on their visual contents. The role of thermal perception in psychological restorative processes has largely been overlooked. This paper examines the restorative benefits of thermal pleasure experiences in the context workplace semi-outdoor environments. A pre-and-post-test experiment was conducted to compare the restorative effects of a workplace semi-outdoor space presenting two distinct thermal scenarios, one devoid of thermally adaptive opportunities, just direct sunlight exposure, and the other condition including the adaptive opportunity for subjects to select between direct sunlight or shade. The experiment used a multisensory virtual reality method to simulate the dynamic environmental conditions of an actual semi-outdoor space located in Melbourne Australia. Forty-two university students participated the experiment. The results showed a statistically significant association between thermal pleasure/thermal adaptive opportunity and restorative benefits. These findings suggest that thermal pleasure contributes to the restorative properties of workplace semi-outdoor environments, specifically in relation to attention restoration, stress recovery, and mood improvement. The study bridges the research fields of thermal comfort, virtual reality, and psychological restoration. The implementation of adaptive thermal comfort and alliesthesia concepts in semi-outdoor environmental design may add more than comfort improvements, but also broader psychological benefits that are relevant to an increasingly urbanised population.
With the continued migration of people into cities, urban environments are becoming increasingly important determinants of health. However, the study of how precise environmental designs are linked to mental health are generally lacking, especially among adolescent populations. Using a qualitative approach featuring 23 go-along interviews with adolescents, we investigated the relationships between specific urban designs as outlined in pedestrian- and transit-oriented design (imageability, enclosure, scale, transparency, complexity) and cognitive architecture (biophilic architecture, symmetries, fractals) concepts and adolescent mental health indicators (i.e., emotional responses). Central findings from the subsequently undertaken framework analysis include considerably different perceptions regarding natural versus built enclosure and landmarks, significantly more expressed emotional engagement with visually rich and transparent urban designs relative to grey/concrete and windowless designs, and strong positive reactions to the three cognitive architecture concepts. Additional exploratory gender-based analyses were conducted and found potential differences in perceptions of design concepts between boys and girls. We note the broader relevance of these findings by discussing their implications for practitioners and suggesting how they can advance certain UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Motives: As the number of research studies of people in urban areas grows in terms of the criteria impacting the health and effectiveness of individuals, the detrimental effects caused by living apart from natural elements become more visible. There is inadequate data for a program that integrates both biophilic design and smart cities tactics. Smart city concerned about energy and resource utilization and utilize digital technologies to adjust resource consumption. It seldom discusses environmental sustainability. However, the biophilic design seeks to provide people with better life quality through a functional interconnection with nature. Digital expertise may prompt biophilic retorts via simulated methods. Aim: The study reconnoiters the significance of the biophilic ideologies to the city’s development. It integrates biophilic urban design in Neom city to overcome gaps in ecosystems’ health associated with traditional urban design. Result: The study proposes integrating biophilic elements at small and large scales. It explains each element within proposed projects and examples of Neom city’s design schemes to incubate these elements.
Purpose
Studies related to biophilic design (BD) have not clarified the user's role in applying its elements and features to improve quality of life (physical and mental health). This paper aims to highlight the users' role (experience, practice, and advice) when utilising aspects of BD in the interior environment of modern houses (MH) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as a case study.
Design/methodology/approach
A study of users' experiences was conducted through a qualitative approach by analysing semi-structured one-to-one interviews with a representative sample from Jeddah (12 heads of the family) using an adapted Biophilic Interior Design Matrix. An inductive approach was applied by extrapolating the users' role in employing BD elements in the MH's interior environment based on their experience in employing various biophilic elements.
Findings
The findings demonstrate the importance of the user's role when incorporating biophilic elements in living spaces. The levels of employment of BD elements of various kinds in the interior environment of the MH as a whole are considered high. A high percentage was observed regarding the availability of BD elements in the 40–59 years age group (87%), and a relationship was observed between housing type (villas vs apartments) and availability of BD elements. Additionally, a relationship was observed between the use of a professional designer when designing the house and the availability of biophilic elements. However, the sample did not have a grasp of several BD concepts. The application is generally made without knowing the positive impact on mental health. The user matrix was compiled as a reference that reflects the features and elements that are easily enjoyed in activating BD and enhancing the users' role in raising the level of BD in their homes. An initial classification of BD features was elaborated regarding the physical structure (PS) of a building, features regarding the user under control (UUC) and features regarding the user out of control (UOC).
Research limitations/implications
The classification was preliminarily based on PS, UUC, and UOC. Future research is required to confirm what has been communicated through advanced and in-depth research for housing analysis to confirm and enhance the user's role. This approach is a quick alternative solution to employ biophilic elements.
Originality/value
The authors focussed on the immaterial aspect of BD in interior spaces from the user's experience. BD-related studies have focussed on the physical aspect of architectural space.
The social well-being and health of the occupants of low-income housing depends not just on improved infrastructure and security of tenure but also on neighbourhood and apartment design characteristics. This study compares 14 best-practice habitat design models for low-income mass housing in nine Indian states, with Dharavi slum and slum rehabs in Mumbai paying particular attention to the drivers of natural ventilation which impacts the spread of airborne and aerosol-borne diseases and thermal comfort amongst other drivers of occupant health and subjective well-being. Simulations of neighbourhood and indoor airflow reveal the significance of built-environment parameters that should serve as prerequisites for well-being in low-income mass housing in forthcoming slum rehab housing planning.
Cities emerged due to industrialization, forcing people to spend most of the time indoors, such as in their residences and workspaces. Being indoors has distanced humans from nature, which has a drastic effect on human health and wellbeing. Human evolution shows its connection with the natural landscape for the last 250,000 years. Scientific research indicates that nature impacts our physiological, psychological, and cognitive health. This paper aims to identify biophilic indicators to measure indoor workspaces and classrooms' performance metrics on occupants, which could be used by architects for designing indoor spaces. The study is based on critical analysis and explores existing knowledge from literature. The effects of spatial qualities on performance, creativity, and health of the employee being investigated. Similarly, classroom study has been examined the attention capacity of students and their wellbeing. The study concludes that by applying biophilic design patterns in the built environment, one can get connected with nature, and it significantly enhances the occupants' performances.
The theory of "prospect and refuge" seeks to describe why certain environments feel secure and thereby meet basic human psychological needs. Environments that meet such needs will often provide people with the capacity to observe (prospect) without being seen (refuge). Since its original proposition in 1975, prospect-refuge theory has been discussed and debated by art historians and philosophers and it has also been put into practice by landscape designers. However, it wasn't until 1991, when Grant Hildebrand applied this theory to the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, that designers became more aware of, and interested in, this theory. One reason for this interest is that Hildebrand expanded the theory to add several additional spatial dimensions to the concept of prospect, including a love of complexity, exploration and opportunity. Hildebrand identifies that prospect and refuge may result intuitively in the work of an architect who seeks to control the manner in which open and bright spaces are framed spatially. He also applied a variation of the theory to analyse ceiling heights, the size of terraces, and the spatial complexity of a design. While prospect-refuge theory has since been widely used to interpret a range of architects' works, relatively little evidence is available to support its application. After more than two decades of use, scholars still do not know which elements of a design shape the presence of prospect and refuge or whether they are independent factors or are mutually dependent on each other. However, one of the primary impediments to the detailed analysis and testing of prospect-refuge theory is the lack of an accepted definition. Thus, the present paper sets out to construct a critical definition of prospect and refuge theory, drawing on the body of past research that was undertaken originally in art theory and landscape design and later in architectural and interior design. © Common Ground, Annemarie S. Dosen, Michael J. Ostwald, All Rights Reserved.
This paper examines how ambient noise, an important environmental variable, can affect creativity. Results from five experiments demonstrate that a moderate (70 dB) versus low (50 dB) level of ambient noise enhances performance on creative tasks and increases the buying likelihood of innovative products. A high level of noise (85 dB), on the other hand, hurts creativity. Process measures reveal that a moderate (vs. low) level of noise increases processing difficulty, inducing a higher construal level and thus promoting abstract processing, which subsequently leads to higher creativity. A high level of noise, however, reduces the extent of information processing and thus impairs creativity.
The adaptive hypothesis predicts that contextual factors and past thermal history modify building occupants' thermal expectations and preferences. One of the predictions of the adaptive hypothesis is that people in warm climate zones prefer warmer indoor temperatures than people living in cold climate zones. This is contrary to the static assumptions underlying the current ASHRAE comfort standard 55-92. To examine the adaptive hypothesis and its implications for Standard 55-92, the ASHRAE RP-884 project assembled a quality-controlled database from thermal comfort field experiments worldwide (circa 21,000 observations from 160 buildings). Our statistical analysis examined the semantics of thermal comfort in terms of thermal sensation, acceptability, and preference, as a function of both indoor and outdoor temperature. Optimum indoor temperatures tracked both prevailing indoor and outdoor temperatures, as predicted by the adaptive hypothesis. The static predicted mean vote (PMV) model was shown to be partially adaptive by accounting for behavioral adjustments, and fully explained adaptation occurring in HVAC buildings. Occupants in naturally ventilated buildings were tolerant of a significantly wider range of temperatures, explained by a combination of both behavioral adjustment and psychological adaptation. These results formed the basis of a proposal for a variable indoor temperature standard.
This chapter provides a brief historical overview of ambivalence towards nature. It presents a review of contemporary empirical research and theorizing on ambivalence towards nature and natural landscapes. Historically, ambivalence towards nature is closely linked with the concept of wilderness. A study among Dutch students provides some empirical evidence for the ambivalent meanings of wild nature. Wild nature is not only associated with ambivalent meanings, it may also evoke ambivalent emotional responses. Another domain which deals with ambivalence towards nature comprises studies of people's cognitive representations of the relationship between humans and nature. Biodiversity does not appear to play an important role in ambivalent responses towards nature and must therefore be considered separately from the concept of wilderness. According to the existential‐motivational account, ambivalence towards nature is rooted in people's deep‐seated existential concerns about their own mortality. The chapter concludes with suggestions on how this ambivalence can be dealt with in policy, planning, and design.
It is widely believed that coming into contact with forest environments is somehow beneficial to human well-being and comfort. In Japan, "Shinrin-yoku" (taking in the atmosphere of a forest) has been proposed to be a relaxation activity associated with forest recreation. The purpose of this study was to examine the physiological effects of forest recreation on the autonomic nervous activity. The subjects were twelve male university students (21.8 ± 0.8 years old). On the first day of the experiment, six subjects were sent to a forest area, and the other six to a city area. On the second day, each subject was sent to the area he did not visit on the first day as a cross check. The subjects walked (15 minutes) around their assigned areas before noon, and sat on chairs viewing (15 minutes) the landscapes of their assigned areas in the afternoon. Heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure, and pulse rate were measured as physiological indices. Measurements were taken at the place of accommodation in the morning, before and after walking, and before and after viewing at their assigned field areas. Pulse rate, diastolic blood pressure and LF/(LF+HF) (LF- low frequency, HF- high frequency) components of HRV were significantly lower in the forest area than in the city area. HF components of HRV tended to be higher in the forest than in the city. In conclusion, the results of the physiological measurements show that forest recreation enabled effective relaxation in people, both of the mind and body.
Recent studies have found negative correlations between mystery and preference for forest settings. Our reanalysis of earlier data suggested that those findings may have stemmed from a failure to examine setting categories within the forest domain. In the current study of 70 within-forest settings, factor analysis of preference ratings revealed two setting categories corresponding to high- and low-visual-access settings. In the high-access category, preference was positively correlated with mystery but uncorrelated with visual access. In the low-access category, preference was uncorrelated with mystery but positively correlated with visual access. We also examined an expanded definition of mystery that made explicit the distinction between mystery and surprise. The expanded definition produced results identical to the standard definition in the high-access category, but in the low-access category, expanded mystery was positively correlated with preference. We conclude that when properly understood, mystery tends to be positively related to preference.
The authors attempt to address some unresolved issues within the Kaplans’ preference-matrix model of environmental preference. These issues involve the relation between legibility and preference and the relations among preference, danger, and mystery. Participants rated 70 within-forest settings containing no visible pathways for preference, danger, or one of seven predictor variables. Legibility and coherence were found to be independent, positive predictors of preference. Likewise, landmarks and visual access were independent positive predictors of legibility. Legibility fully mediated the positive relation between landmarks and preference. Visual access interacted with legibility in predicting preference: The relation between preference and either predictor was strongest and positive at low values of the other predictor. Preference and danger were negatively correlated, and there was some tendency for each of them to have a different pattern of relations with predictors. Mystery was negatively correlated with both preference and visual access, an unusual finding.
Although both research fields share the term quality of life (QOL), the research on environmental quality of life (EQOL) and health related quality of life (HRQOL) has been completely separated from each other and use the term in a different way. Thus, the choice of instruments used in HRQOL may not easily fit in a project that requires the integration of instruments targeting a common construct of QOL.Necessarily, the conceptual basis of the available instruments has to be evaluated beforehand. This paper discusses the problems surrounding conceptual issues in the selection and use of indicators to measure QOL in environmental and health related studies. Possible means to resolve these conceptual difficulties are outlined. The QOL models of Sen and Lindström are identified as possible sources for that purpose. The conceptual basis of the SF-36 and the WHOQOL are described and checked for their suitability. One practical example of both integrated use of model and instruments in environmental health is presented. Finally, some minimal content requirements are derived. Instruments should cover: main domains and facets of health, contain a broad range of health expressions including positive health, be sensitive enough for the research question and indicators measured subjectively and objectively.
A wide range of studies have generally found that humans appreciate certain characteristics of natural habitats, in particular the presence of other living vertebrates. This “biophilia” may reflect evolved adaptive preferences, preferences that may continue to affect our behavior today. The present study examined whether urban Europeans pay increased attention to natural stimuli even in an unnatural environment. An aquarium was installed in the window display of a Vienna, Austria, shopping mall and its effect on the responses of passers-by recorded. Assessment was by review of videotapes and quantification of duration of stay in front of the window, periods of facing the window, and such communications as pointing in the presence of others. The total number of episodes quantified was 1002 out of a total of 12,921 persons on the videotapes. As expected, all the behavioral measures of attention and exploration that were assessed indeed increased when the aquarium was present. These findings bear implications for marketing, and moreover, for ameliorating the stress that modern city environments may place on the ancient human organism.
A healing garden is being laid out at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences' Alnarp campus. The garden is intended to serve several purposes. It will offer horticultural therapeutic treatment programs for people diagnosed as having had burnout disease for an extended period. An interdisciplinary research program will study how the garden functions for these people. Scientists will test different design hypotheses connected with the garden as well as different forms of horticultural therapy. The garden will also serve as an object of study for students. This article describes and discusses the project's background and the process leading to the final design of the garden. BACKGROUND At the time of this writing, autumn 2002, a garden is being laid out at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences' Alnarp campus in southern Sweden. The garden is intended to be a healing garden: a garden that, in different ways, influences the visitor in a positive way (Cooper Marcus & Barnes, 1999). In a prior article "What Makes a Garden a Healing Garden?" (Stigsdotter & Grahn, 2002), the authors sorted theories of healing effects of gardens stemming from different research disciplines into three different schools: ■ The Healing Garden School. The health effects are derived above all from the experiences of the garden room as such, its design, and contents. ■ The Horticultural Therapy School. The health effects are derived primarily from the activities in the garden room. ■ The Instorative School (formerly the Cognitive School). The health effects are derived from the experiences of the garden room as such, from the activities in the garden room, and the visitor's background and character: experiences of which give the visitor a feeling of belonging and identity.
Argues that evolutionary heritage underlies humans' consistent preference for stimuli from the natural environment and that research on affective and aesthetic responses is needed to understand human interaction with the environment. It is noted that the rapidly expanding empirical record concerning aesthetic and affective responses to natural environments is in need of a well-developed theoretical foundation. An integrated conceptual framework to address this theoretical lack, drawing on recent theory and research on emotion, is proposed. This framework explains how affects arise in the natural environment; postulates their functions; and links them to cognition, activity in physiological systems, and behavior. The present author, in developing the framework, questions the view that feelings result from cognitive processes, asserting that feelings (not thoughts) are the initial response in environmental encounters. The observer's initial feeling reaction shapes subsequent cognitive events. The relative sequence of feeling and thinking in environmental encounters represents a fundamental issue in understanding human interaction with the environment. (98 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Humans will continue to adapt to an increasingly technological world. But are there costs to such adaptations in terms of human well being? Toward broaching this question, we investigated physiological effects of experiencing a HDTV quality real-time view of nature through a plasma display ''window.'' In an office setting, 90 participants (30 per group) were exposed either to (a) a glass window that afforded a view of a nature scene, (b) a plasma window that afforded a real-time HDTV view of essentially the same scene, or (c) a blank wall. Results showed that in terms of heart rate recovery from low-level stress the glass window was more restorative than a blank wall; in turn, a plasma window was no more restorative than a blank wall. Moreover, when participants spent more time looking at the glass window, their heart rate tended to decrease more rapidly; that was not the case with the plasma window. Discussion focuses on how the purported benefits of viewing nature may be attenuated by a digital medium.
A review of findings from the field of environmental psychology shows that humans are aesthetically attracted to natural contents and to particular landscape configurations. These features are also found to have positive effects on human functioning and can reduce stress. However, opportunities for contact with these elements are reduced in modern urban life. It is argued how this evolution can have subtle but nontrivial adverse effects on psychological and physiological well-being. These can be countered by integrating key features of natural contents and structural landscape features in the built environment. Several practical proposals are discussed, ranging from literal imitations of natural objects (such as plants) to the use of nature's fractal geometry in an architectural context.
Two world trends are powerfully reshaping human existence: the degradation, if not destruction, of large parts of the natural world, and unprecedented technological development. At the nexus of these two trends lies technological nature—technologies that in various ways mediate, augment, or simulate the natural world. Current examples of technological nature include videos and live webcams of nature, robot animals, and immersive virtual environments. Does it matter for the physical and psychological well-being of the human species that actual nature is being replaced with technological nature? As the basis for our provisional answer (it is “yes”), we draw on evolutionary and cross-cultural developmental accounts of the human relation with nature and some recent psychological research on the effects of technological nature. Finally, we discuss the issue—and area for future research—of “environmental generational amnesia.” The concern is that, by adapting gradually to the loss of actual nature and to the increase of technological nature, humans will lower the baseline across generations for what counts as a full measure of the human experience and of human flourishing.
In a world of sensory overload, it is becoming increasingly important to provide environments that enable us to recover our sense of well being. Such restorative (‘tranquil’) environments need to comprise sufficient sensory stimulation to keep us engaged, whilst at the same time providing opportunity for reflection and relaxation. One essential aspect in safeguarding existing, or developing new ‘tranquil space’, is understanding the optimum relationship between the soundscape and the visual composition of a location. This research represents a first step in understanding the effects of audio-visual interaction on the perception of tranquillity and identifies how the interpretation of acoustic information is an integral part of this process. By using uni and bi-modal auditory-visual stimuli in a two stage experimental strategy, it has been possible to measure the key components of the tranquillity construct. The findings of this work should be of particular interest to those charged with landscape management, such as National Park Authorities, Regional Councils, and other agencies concerned with providing and maintaining public amenity.
Different conceptual perspectives converge to predict that if individuals are stressed, an encounter with most unthreatening natural environments will have a stress reducing or restorative influence, whereas many urban environments will hamper recuperation. Hypotheses regarding emotional, attentional and physiological aspects of stress reducing influences of nature are derived from a psycho-evolutionary theory. To investigate these hypotheses, 120 subjects first viewed a stressful movie, and then were exposed to color/sound videotapes of one of six different natural and urban settings. Data concerning stress recovery during the environmental presentations were obtained from self-ratings of affective states and a battery of physiological measures: heart period, muscle tension, skin conductance and pulse transit time, a non-invasive measure that correlates with systolic blood pressure. Findings from the physiological and verbal measures converged to indicate that recovery was faster and more complete when subjects were exposed to natural rather than urban environments. The pattern of physiological findings raised the possibility that responses to nature had a salient parasympathetic nervous system component; however, there was no evidence of pronounced parasympathetic involvement in responses to the urban settings. There were directional differences in cardiac responses to the natural vs urban settings, suggesting that attention/intake was higher during the natural exposures. However, both the stressor film and the nature settings elicited high levels of involuntary or automatic attention, which contradicts the notion that restorative influences of nature stem from involuntary attention or fascination. Findings were consistent with the predictions of the psycho-evolutionary theory that restorative influences of nature involve a shift towards a more positively-toned emotional state, positive changes in physiological activity levels, and that these changes are accompanied by sustained attention/intake. Content differences in terms of natural vs human-made properties appeared decisive in accounting for the differences in recuperation and perceptual intake.
The origin and development of the adaptive approach to thermal comfort is explained. A number of recent developments in the application of the theory are considered and the origin of the differences between adaptive thermal comfort and the ‘rational’ indices is explored. The application of the adaptive approach to thermal comfort standards is considered and recommendations made as to the best comfort temperature, the range of comfortable environments and the maximum rate of change of indoor temperature. The application of criteria of sustainability to thermal standards for buildings is also considered.
Stress can have a negative influence on psychological and physical health, particularly among older adults. However, park-based leisure experiences, can have a positive influence upon mood states, stress, and health of this population. This study examined the relationship between stress, park-based leisure, and physiological/psychological health among older adults (ages 50-86). There were significant interactive effects between: 1) stress and length of park stay and, 2) stress and desired health benefits in their relationship to the physiological health indicator, body mass index (BMI).There were also direct relationships between park companionship and perceived physical health and between length of park stay and lower systolic blood pressures. This study offers early evidence that park-based leisure experiences correspond with physiological health indicators among older adults. Implications for future health-based leisure research and policy are discussed.
We previously reported that the forest environment enhanced human natural killer (NK) activity, the number of NK cells, and intracellular levels of anti-cancer proteins in lymphocytes, and that the increased NK activity lasted for more than 7 days after trips to forests in both male and female subjects. To explore the factors in the forest environment that activated human NK cells, we investigated the effect of essential oils from trees on human immune function both in vitro and in vivo. In the in vitro study, we investigatedthe effect of 8 kinds of phytoncides (wood essential oil) on NK activity and the expression of perforin, granzyme A (GrA) and granulysin (GRN) in human NK cells. We found that phytoncides significantly increased NK activity in a dose-dependent manner and significantly increased the expression of perforin, GrA and GRN. The phytoncides also partially restored NK activity and perforin, GrA and GRN levels reduced by DDVP. We found that pretreatment with phytoncides partially prevented the DDVP-induced inhibition of NK activity. These findings suggest that phytoncides can increase human NK activity. In the in vivo study, twelve healthy male subjects, aged 37-60 years, were put up in urban hotel for 3 nights. Aromatic volatile substances (phytoncides) were produced by vaporizing Chamaecyparis obtusa stem oil with a humidifier in the hotel room during the night. Blood was sampled on the last day and urine was sampled every day during the stay. Similar control measurements were made before the stay on a normal working day. The concentrations of phytoncides in hotel room air were measured. Phytoncide exposure significantly increased NK activity and the numbers of NK, perforin, GRN, and GrA/B-expressing cells, and significantly decreased the concentrations of adrenaline and noradrenaline in urine. These findings indicate that phytoncide exposure and decreased stress hormone levels partially contribute to increased NK activity.
This paper presents recent findings on the impact of temperature and ventilation on call-handling performance and selected sick building syndrome symptoms of call center operators near thermal neutral conditions. The blind intervention study was conducted in two call centers in the Tropics that provide complex call-handling services to their customers. Based on principal component analysis, neurobehavioral-related symptoms were consistently identified as the cluster of symptoms most affected by the interventions. Operator performance, as indicated by the call talk time, was significantly affected by changes in both temperature and outdoor air supply rate. Increasing outdoor air supply, by approximately two times, led to improved operator talk performance by between 7% to 9% at higher temperatures. Decreasing temperature from a marginally warm thermal sensation to a marginally cool thermal sensation at lower ventilation rate also improved operator talk performance by between 5% and 13%. Moderately strong correlation between principal component for neurobehavioral-related symptoms and talk time performance indicates that increased neurobehavioral- related symptoms of about 16% may cause reduction in talk time performance by 8%.
This paper examines the newly developing field of Environmental Psychology and its relationship to Social Psychology. Some major research topics concerned with environment and behavior are summarized, along with an analysis of dominant research values of this emerging field. The paper also considers some possible ways in which Environmental Psychology can enhance social psychological research and theorizing, and ways in which the study of environment and behavior can make salient (and perhaps call into question) certain assumptions implicit in present day Social Psychology.
The present study investigated the physiological and psychological effects of viewing urban forest landscapes on 48 young male urban residents. Four forested areas and four urban areas located in central and western Japan were used as the test sites. We found that in the forested areas, the subjects exhibited (i) significantly lower diastolic blood pressure, (ii) significantly higher parasympathetic nervous activity, but significantly lower sympathetic nervous activity, and (iii) significantly lower heart rate. The forest landscapes (iv) obtained better scores in subjective ratings, and (v) induced significantly less negative and more vigorous moods. Taken as whole, these findings suggest that even a short-term viewing of forests has relaxing effects. We have thus concluded that the approach taken in this study is useful in exploring the influences of urban green space on humans, as well as contributing to the planning and design of a healthy environment for urban residents.
A transactional account of human-environment systems holds that the various aspects of those systems serve to define each other. From this perspective experiences of natural and built aspects of human environments are seen as mutually dependent. Examining implications of this view, the paper refers to a large, multidisciplinary body of research dealing with various facets of nature experience. The literature supports discussion of both a general and a specific transactional character of nature experience. In the general sense, individuals are engaged in an exchange across species and sociocultural levels of aggregation. This transaction draws motive force from an on-going process of differentiation and evaluation of natural and human-made objects and environments. This process is integral to the development of cultures, and has led to the creation of conditions that challenge our biological adaptedness. Looking then to the specific transactional character, literature is reviewed to draw out reciprocities between individuals' experiences of nature and their experiences of built, often urban, environments. Environmental evaluations, motivations for outdoor recreation, and benefits attributed to contact with nature all speak to the existence of experiential bonds between the natural and the built. Implications for research and planning are discussed in closing.
The utility of different theoretical models of restorative experience was explored in a quasi-experimental field study and a true experiment. The former included wilderness backpacking and nonwilderness vacation conditions, as well as a control condition in which participants continued with their daily routines. The latter had urban environment, natural environment, and passive relaxation conditions. Multimethod assessments of restoration consisted of self-reports of affective states, cognitive performance, and, in the latter study, physiological measures. Convergent self-report and performance results obtained in both studies offer evidence of greater restorative effects arising from experiences in nature. Implications for theory, methodology, and design are discussed.
The author reviews visual perception studies showing that fractal patterns possess an aesthetic quality based on their visual complexity. Specifically, people display an aesthetic preference for patterns with mid-range fractal dimensions, irrespective of the method used to generate them. The author builds upon these studies by presenting preliminary research indicating that mid-range fractals also affect the observer's physiological condition. The potential for incorporating these fractals into art and architecture as a novel approach to reducing stress is also discussed.
This study examines the influence of environmental design features on the student population's fear of crime. Based upon Nasar and Fisher's (1992) prospect- refuge model, it was predicted that (a) fears levels would be greatest in areas with high prospect and low refuge (b) lower in areas of low prospect and high refuge and that (c) avoidance behaviour would be utilized as a cop- ing mechanism in response to fears on campus. The analysis of 167 survey responses by students indicated that environmental design features had a significant effect on fear of crime and spatial behaviour. Fear levels fluctuated with the amount of prospect and refuge afforded in specific areas and avoidance behaviour was the most significant response to these fears. The implica- tions of these findings for the prospect-refuge model and the future policy direction of campus planning are discussed.
In the literature on landscape appraisal, mystery is defined as the promise of new information if one could travel deeper into the environment [(1989). Journal of Environmental Psychology, 9, 24–43]. Mystery is also a powerful predictor of perceived preference for the landscape. The present study examined how the effects of mystery enhance preference for housing façades as versus landscapes. In Study 1, participants were presented with 12 photomontages of a housing façade situated between two trees and rated their preference under one of 3 stimulus conditions. In the high-mystery condition, the trees completely concealed the two edges of the house. In the low-mystery condition, although the two edges of the house were concealed, the middle parts of the edges were slightly visible from between the leaves. In the middle-mystery condition, only the middle part of one of the edges was visible. It was hypothesized that the completely hidden edges, in the high- and middle-mystery conditions, would convey the impression that part of the house was hidden behind the tree. Results showed that houses in the high-mystery condition were significantly rated as highest in preference. Moreover, results of a follow-up survey suggested a definite possibility that the novelty of housing façades helped mystery to enhance preference for housing appearance the most.
This chapter considers the contribution of the psychology of perception to the study of landscape aesthetics. It deals with a variety of factors that play a role in human preference for landscapes, such as the need to comprehend one's surroundings, and the concern to learn and be stimulated ("involvement'). The visual environment and three-dimensional space are examined, and an overview is given using a preference matrix. The author also attempts to address some widely held misconceptions about preference and perception. -C.Lloyd
A randomized cross-over study explored whether viewing different scenes prior to a stressor altered autonomic function during the recovery from the stressor. The two scenes were a) nature (composed of trees, grass, fields) or b) built (composed of man-made, urban scenes lacking natural characteristics) environments. Autonomic function was assessed using non-invasive techniques of heart rate variability; in particular time domain analyses evaluated parasympathetic activity, using root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD). During stress, secondary cardiovascular markers (heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure) showed significant increases from baseline which did not differ between the two viewing conditions. Parasympathetic activity, however, was significantly higher in recovery following the stressor in the viewing scenes of nature condition compared to viewing scenes depicting built environments (RMSSD; 50.0 ± 31.3 vs. 34.8 ± 14.8 ms). Thus viewing nature scenes prior to a stressor alters autonomic activity in the recovery period. The secondary aim was to examine autonomic function during viewing of the two scenes. SDRR, as change from baseline, during the first five minutes of viewing nature scenes was greater than during built scenes. Overall, this suggests that nature can elicit improvements in the recovery process following a stressor.
This paper reviews evidence supporting a theory about the psychological effects of complex environments suggested by research on the causal relationships between occupational conditions and psychological functioning. The review indicates that environmental complexity leads to effective cognitive functioning across all stages of the life span. This effect has been found in both sexes, in several nations, and in species other than man. Although the evidence is not as extensive, environmental complexity also appears to lead to a self-directed rather than conformist orientation.
The aim of the present study was to investigate cognitive, emotional, and physiological effects of two open-plan office noise conditions (high noise: 51 LAeq and low noise: 39 LAeq) during work in a simulated open-plan office, followed by four restoration conditions (river movie with sound, only river sound, silence, and office noise) after the work period. Students (N = 47) went through one practice session and two experimental sessions, one each with the low and high noise conditions. In each experimental session they worked for 2 h with tasks involving basic working memory processes. We also took physiological measures of stress (cortisol and catecholamines) and self-reports of mood and fatigue. Analyses indicate that the participants remembered fewer words, rated themselves as more tired, and were less motivated with work in noise compared to low noise. In the restoration phase the participants who saw a nature movie (including river sounds) rated themselves as having more energy after the restoration period in comparison with both the participants who listened to noise and river sounds. Remaining in office noise during the restoration phase also affected motivation more negatively than listening to river sounds or watching the nature movie. The findings bear on the appropriateness of open-plan office designs and the possibilities for restoration available in office settings.
We compared psychophysiological stress recovery and directed attention restoration in natural and urban field settings using repeated measures of ambulatory blood pressure, emotion, and attention collected from 112 randomly assigned young adults. To vary restoration needs, we had half of the subjects begin the environmental treatment directly after driving to the field site. The other half completed attentionally demanding tasks just before the treatment. After the drive or the tasks, sitting in a room with tree views promoted more rapid decline in diastolic blood pressure than sitting in a viewless room. Subsequently walking in a nature reserve initially fostered blood pressure change that indicated greater stress reduction than afforded by walking in the urban surroundings. Performance on an attentional test improved slightly from the pretest to the midpoint of the walk in the nature reserve, while it declined in the urban setting. This opened a performance gap that persisted after the walk. Positive affect increased and anger decreased in the nature reserve by the end of the walk; the opposite pattern emerged in the urban environment. The task manipulation affected emotional self-reports. We discuss implications of the results for theories about restorative environments and environmental health promotion measures.