The Perceived Restorative Quality of Viewing Various Types of Urban and Rural Scenes: Based on Psychological and Physiological Responses

Chang Li, Yu Yuan, Changan Sun and Minkai Sun
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Chang Li: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215000, China
Yu Yuan: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215000, China
Changan Sun: School of Education, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215000, China
Minkai Sun: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215000, China

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 7, 1-21

Abstract: Attention restoration theory argues that the type of visual scene is important; however, related research is mostly based on a dichotomous comparison between natural and urban environments. Few studies have evaluated complex scenes comprising both natural and artificial elements. Therefore, we compared the differences between four types of environments: urban artificial scenes, urban natural scenes, rural artificial scenes, and rural natural scenes—using a survey based on the Perceived Restorativeness Scale (PRS), perception complexity scoring, and eye tracking. Participants ( N = 119) viewed photographs in a random order. The results showed significant differences between the visual landscape scores and eye-tracking data for each type of visual image: PRS, perception complexity, average fixation duration, and mean pupil size. Rural natural scenes had a higher restoration effect than the other scenes. Waterscapes and well-maintained vegetation had positive correlations between the typical landscape element indices and restorative benefits in different scene types. Contrastingly, weeds and hardscapes showed negative correlations, which can be attributed to the maintenance of these typical elements. The harmony of elements with circumstances in a scene was a key factor. The results provide a reference for urban and rural landscape planning and design to improve perceived restorative quality.

Keywords: attention restoration theory; eye movements; artificial; natural; urban; rural (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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