Identify the significant landscape characteristics for the perceived restorativeness of 8 perceived sensory dimensions in urban green space

Abstract

The restorative benefits of urban green spaces (UGSs) have been supported by many studies. Eight perceived sensory dimensions (PSDs) are regarded as a tool to classify green spaces based on perception. However, little attention has been given to the effects of landscape characteristics (LCs) on the perceived restorativeness (PR) of green spaces. Thus, this study aims to clarify this relationship using the eight PSDs. The research collected information, via video stimulus, from 30 participants on the restorative experiences of urban green parks, according to the eight kinds of PSDs. The skin conductance level obtained via biosensors was used to measure the PR. The subjective satisfaction evaluation of 10 LCs was further obtained using a 5-point Likert scale. The data were analyzed using correlation and regression analyses. The results show that the UGSs with dominant “serene,” “open,” and “sheltered” PSDs are rated highest for restoration. Furthermore, the findings identify the significant factors affecting the restoration of green spaces using different PSDs. In green spaces controlled by PSD, scene, vegetation, water features, and disturbances are more reliable predictors for restoration. The results indicate how different PSD spaces can be distributed in green urban planning and provide key points for designing each PSD for restoration. The use of physiological indexes rather than subjective feelings provides an alternative for demonstrating the restorative benefits of the environment. However, before it can officially be used by designers, more research is needed.

Keywords

• Green perception
• Health-promoting environments
• Psychological restoration
• Restorative features
• Perceived sensory dimension