Abstract:
The rapid surge of modernization and urbanization worldwide has brought about various challenges, including a significant increase in stress-related issues. The continuous urban growth and development have led to the reduction of open spaces in cities, exacerbating the stress-related problems. However, the necessity for spaces that possess rejuvenating qualities is crucial to alleviate these concerns. Thus, this research aims to explore the role of landscapes and their attributes in cultivating psychological restoration in outdoor settings, with the specific goal of identifying landscape elements that effectively promote a restorative environment.
The research methodology encompasses interviews and preference surveys employing photo questionnaires. The preference study involved the selection of 40 colored images inspired by the restoration theory of Ulrich and Kaplan. These images portrayed landscapes featuring elements derived from attention restoration and psychoevolutionary theories. The variables included soft and hard landscapes, water elements, varying colors, and sports facilities. Participants were assigned a scale of 1 to 5 to rate each image, with 1 representing the lowest preference and 5 reflecting the highest. Ratings were based on the perceived positive impact of the scenes on the participants.
The results were analyzed by isolating the 15 most preferred and least preferred images, identifying common characteristics within each category. The 15 preferred images were characterized by their naturalness, lush landscapes adorned with appealing shrubs and trees, presence of water bodies, and vibrant colors in the plant life and overall surroundings. On the other hand, the 15 least preferred images lacked extensive landscape elements, exhibited low vegetative ground coverage, stagnant and unclean water features, and lighter shades in grass and tree colors.
The findings underscored that the presence of aesthetically pleasing water features, artistic elements (such as sculptures and statues), and abundant vegetative coverage (trees, shrubs, and flowers) contribute significantly to the restorative qualities of a space. Consequently, the research recommends the integration of natural features into landscape designs as pivotal components for stress relief in hotel architecture. In conclusion, the insights provided by this study can serve as a valuable reference for architects, designers, planners, and policymakers in the creation or transformation of outdoor spaces into environments that facilitate psychological restoration. Ultimately, these efforts can contribute to the improvement of public health and overall well-being in both the short and long term.
ASSESSING LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS FOR STRESS ALLEVIATION IN HOTEL CONSTRUCTIONS WITHIN KADUNA, NIGERIA’S KADUNA STATE. GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS
