Abstract

Research on restorative environments has suggested green facades as a promising model for natural spaces in urban and densely populated areas. However, the impact of architectural design attributes of green building facades on perceived restoration potential is insufficiently researched. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between architectural design attributes of green building facades and perceived restoration potential. A discrete choice experiment was used. First, seven architectural design attributes (Value, Symmetry, Material, Balcony, Variety, Configuration, and Shape) were identified based on the Content Identifying Method. In the next step, a sample of 204 participants randomly selected a block and evaluated the perceived restoration potential of six pairs of designed images of different green facade scenarios based on the seven architectural design attributes. The results showed that low diversity in greenery was associated with greater influence, and people chose asymmetric greenery more often. Horizontal and scattered greenery was preferred over vertical and concentrated greenery, which had no significant effect on perceived restoration potential. Stone and cement used in green facades were the most influential factors in perceived restoration potential. These findings can aid designers in designing the green facade of residential buildings to increase perceived restoration potential.

Keywords

biophilic design; mental health; restorative environment; mental fatigue; stress reduction; attention fatigue; attention restoration theory; calm and connection theory

Published in

Buildings
2023, Volume: 13, number: 9, article number: 2356

SLU Authors

• Grahn, Patrik

  • Department of People and Society, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Associated SLU-program

Biodiversity
SLU Future One Health
SLU Urban Futures
Built environment
Climate


Sustainable Development Goals

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable


UKÄ Subject classification

Public Health, Global Health, Social Medicine and Epidemiology
Landscape Architecture


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13092356

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/124934