Features of urban green spaces associated with positive emotions, mindfulness and relaxation
Scientific Reports November 30, 2022 Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo, Angelia Sia, Anna Fogel et al. 95 citations
Exposure to urban green spaces designed with specific landscape features can boost positive emotions and relaxation-related brain activity. In a study of 74 healthy adults, landscapes rated using the Contemplative Landscape Model (CLM) predicted self-reported emotional valence and arousal, as well as alpha and theta brain waves (indicating relaxation and mindfulness), particularly in outdoor settings. The strongest associations were with features like peace and silence, landscape layers, and archetypal elements. Brain reactivity and arousal differed between lab and outdoor settings, but emotional valence was similar. The findings offer concrete guidelines for designing health-promoting urban green spaces.