International Journal of Built Environment and Sustainability (Jan 2021)
Psychological And Physiological Benefits Of Plants In The Indoor Environment: A Mini And In-Depth Review
Abstract
People tend to spend approximately 87% of their time in the indoor environment. There is a possibilitythat they areexposedto volatile organic compound (VOC) and particle pollution, and to experience stress related disorder. This has potential threaten the well-being of indoor occupants if left untreated. Hence, plants wereintroduced to alleviate these negative impacts. This paper reviews past literature from 1990to 2010s, to examine the relationship of plantswith indoor environmentand identifies how theyinfluence people, psychologically and physiologically, and how they promote indoor environment quality. Most studies suggest that the presence of plants isassociated with positive feelings and able to enhance productivity. In addition, they also may help to promote general health such as reducing blood pressure, perceived stress, sick building syndrome, and increase pain tolerance of the patient. Moreover, plants also helpinimprovingthe indoor environment quality (IEQ), for instance, they canreducecarbon dioxide (CO2), indoor ozone (O3) level, VOC, and particulatematter accumulation through bioremediation process. Despite all the benefits that the plants could offer, several studies pointed out that factors such as gender, perceived attractiveness of the space, physical characteristics of plants, and methods of interaction with plants may lead to non-identical results. Hence, the selection of the right species of plantin an indoor environment becomesmandatoryin orderto improve the indoor environment quality; to providerestorative effect; toinvokepositive feelings and comfort of the people.In conclusion, this review may providenotableinsightstolandscape architects, gardeners and even interior designers to choose the right species of plant in an indoor environment,to maximize their psychological and physiological benefits, at the same time, improving indoor environment quality
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