Browsing by Subject "Stress Reduction Theory"

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    Movements and Metaphors: The Biophilia Hypothesis, Feng-Shui, and Restorative Landscape Design
    (2016-12) Hassebrock, Lisa
    This study creates a modern, adapted conceptual definition of the qi theory that is common to both feng-shui and Chinese medicine for comparison with restorative landscape theoretic frameworks. These two systems of knowledge are rooted in ancient qi theory. The roots of this theory are developed in the Chinese classic canon Yi Jing (Book of Changes). This conceptual definition of qi theory is used to understand classical Chinese feng-shui references as design informants for restorative landscapes. A comparison of the two central theoretic frameworks used for research concerning evidence-based design’s study of nature-based restoration is made: the conceptual definition and design informants for Stephen and Rachel Kaplan’s “Attention Restoration Theory (ART)” and the conceptual definition and design informants Roger Ulrich’s “Stress Reduction Theory (SRT)” are the restoration theory frameworks. The “sweet spot” of intersection of these theoretic frameworks informs an overall synthesis of the most universal aspects of theories. The result is a set of design informants for restorative landscape design.
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    Representational elements of nature's effect on seniors' self-perceived well-being
    (2014-05) Kieffer, Sheena Marie
    Humans evolved in a natural habitat, and thus, have an innate preference for nature, as stated by the biophilia hypothesis (Wilson, E.O., 1984). Attention Restoration Theory stresses nature's incredible ability to restore ones' mind (Kaplan, S., 1995). Consequently, spending time in nature improves humans' well-being. It is reasonable to assume that nature's benefits could be extended to viewing nature in interior space, referred to as biophilic design (Kellert, 2008). Incorporating nature into interior space is critical for older adults who may no longer be able to experience the outdoors. This study examined the possible effects on seniors from their observation of representational elements of nature (REN) in the interior of senior living communities to determine if they would strengthen their self-perceived connectedness to nature, and therefore, support their self-perceived well-being. This exploratory mixed methods study surveyed 20 residents at a market rate independent senior living community. Individually, participants viewed four pairs of photographs of senior living communities' main public lounges. The four REN variables reviewed were water, fire, natural materials, and botanical motifs. It was found that natural materials, followed by fire, had the most significant influence on seniors' well-being. Findings related to botanical motifs and water's influence on well-being is less clear. Plants, color, and nature-based artwork were also identified as design elements that influenced participants' preference for the lounges shown in the photographs, though not REN variables measured in this study. This exploratory research lays a foundation for future researchers to examine the significance of incorporating REN into interior space occupied by seniors in independent living communities.