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The purpose of the study is to econometrically estimate the effect of the direction of window exposure on the unit price of housing. The research hypothesis according to which the exposure of windows to the east increases the unit price of apartments is verified, and is based on observations of the market for units in buildings with exposure to two sides of the world (east and west). Research into the various characteristics that affect real estate prices is being conducted around the world. The main focus is on the impact of features which we are certain about, i.e. date, area, number of rooms, etc., i.e. non-contentious and reasonably easy to identify as to the condition of the feature. The results of the study are to capture certain regularities that will give a glimpse of how the exposure of the apartment's windows to a given direction of the world affected prices. Through the implementation of the survey, it can be determined whether a particular side of the world is better perceived by buyers. The study was conducted on data 2015-2023 in one of Poland's largest cities - Szczecin, where the exposure of the windows of the apartments was to the east or west. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the mediatory role of nature connectedness between tree visibility through windows and mental wellbeing, we conducted a questionnaire survey and examined the mediation effect using both cross-sectional and semi-longitudinal mediation models. We evaluated nature connectedness using the Inclusion of Nature in Self (INS) scale and the Connectedness to Nature Scale (CNS) and measured mental wellbeing using the WHO-5 wellbeing index. Our results showed that participants who could see at least three trees through their windows reported higher levels of both nature connectedness and mental wellbeing compared to those without such visibility. Nature connectedness significantly mediated the relationship between the visibility of trees through windows and mental wellbeing, albeit with a somewhat limited effect. More broadly, this study provides additional evidence in support of the "3" component of the 3-30-300 "rule" for equitable access to greenspace in cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Window views are closely related to indoor environmental quality and influence health and well-being. This study aimed to review quantitative studies investigating the health effects of window views. It was conducted in four stages: literature identification, screening and selection, eligibility determination, and data synthesis and thematic analysis. Database searches yielded 5,616 articles; ultimately, 121 studies were included. The results showed the effects of different aspects of window views on various health-related outcomes, as reflected in physical, psychological, and life experience. Overall findings confirmed the important associations between window views and health. There were significant variations in the number of studies on different aspects of views. The largest number of studies was related to view content, with a larger a number of studies on nature features, and demonstrated positive outcomes in several health domains. There were fewer studies on access and clarity, and their impact on health-related outcomes needs to be further determined. Future research should consider the consistency of measurement, the complexity of pathways of influence, and the combined effects of multiple factors. This review provides useful insights for research on the health benefits of indoor environments and has potential value for evidence-based design and related guidelines and standards.

This article focuses on the respondents' reactions to window views in dense urban environments. A representative sample of multistorey buildings in residential neighbourhoods in close-up window view was observed. To test the respondents' reactions to window views and the influence of various architectural features, the data was collected with an online questionnaire. The respondents were selecting a reaction to an individual window view, evaluated features and defined causes for their decisions. Results were analysed with descriptive statistics and Chi-Square test was used to analyse the relationship between the variables. The research indicates that window views in densely build urban environments that restrict the building from the context of the space received predominantly negative reactions, but due to various features and causes. As a general rule, the restricted window views increase importance of architectural details, increase importance of surface treatment of façades and decrease importance of the façade geometry. Specifically, the research indicates that the age of the respondents and the way they spend their day does not significantly influence their tolerance to unfavourable window views. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Window views are key factors that affect buildings' occupants psychological and physiological comfort and wellbeing. Window design should consider the holistic impacts on building energy, lighting performance, and the connection to the outdoors provided by the view which is usually overlooked. In this study, view perception, stress recovery, physiological, and psychological affect were evaluated in virtual environments of five different conditions varying the physical dimensions of a window located in the same office space with an urban view. This allowed three window-to-wall ratios (i.e. 10%, 20%, and 30%) and two different window layouts (i.e. narrow and wide) to be compared. Twenty-five participants were recruited. Subjective self-assessments on view perception (e.g. content and complexity), self-assessment and physiological measures (e.g. skin conductance and heart rate variability) stress recovery besides psychological affect were measured. Participants performed a Stroop-test to induce stress that was immediately followed by a period of recovery facilitated by exposure to one of the five window conditions. Results showed that increased window size advocated higher view perception assessments, increased stress recovery, and positive psychological affect. Measurements of skin conductance and heart rate variability also corroborated these findings. Differences in window layout were also revealed, but only for 10% WWRs. Therefore, WWR is not a reliable indicator for view perception for small window sizes, indicating that layout preference is dependent on window size. This study highlights the importance of considering view perception for occupant health and wellbeing when sizing window openings, since these may not necessarily align with other design criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daylighting standards provide an assessment method that can be used to evaluate the quality of window views. As part of this evaluation process, designers must achieve five environmental information criteria (location, time, weather, nature, and people) to obtain an excellent view. To the best of our knowledge, these criteria have not yet been verified and their scientific validity remains conjectural. In a two-stage experiment, a total of 451 persons evaluated six window view images. Using machine learning models, we found that the five criteria could provide accurate predictions for window view preferences. When one view was largely preferred over the other, the accuracy of decision tree models ranged from 83% to 90%. For smaller differences in preference, the accuracy was 67%. As ratings given to the five criteria increased, so did evaluations for psychological restoration and positive affect. Although causation was not established, the role of most environmental information criteria was important for predicting window view preferences, with nature generally outweighed the others. We recommend the use of the environmental information criteria in practice, but suggest some alterations to these standards to emphasize the importance of nature within window view design. Instead of only supporting high-quality views, nature should be promoted across all thresholds dictating view quality.

Modern lifestyles result in people spending 90% of their time indoors, where windows serve as a unique component providing an outdoor view and enabling visual experiences. Chromogenic windows, which adjust both thermal and visual conditions, represent a promising fenestration system for achieving energy savings. However, the tinting properties and their effects on human responses to filtered window views have not been thoroughly explored. This study conducted an experimental test using a customised questionnaire to investigate eight distinct window conditions in a hotel building. Forty-five participants took part in this evaluation by observing photographs. The conclusions drawn are as follows: (1) All tinted windows were found to be less acceptable than clear windows; however, the bronze window was relatively preferred. (2) In terms of visual capacity, the red window had the most negative effect, followed by the blue window. (3) Considering the window views, the tinted windows significantly disturbed the view outside. These results have the potential to guide the development of chromogenic windows in practical applications in the future, particularly from the perspective of colour selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As virtual classrooms, traditional physical classroom environments are transformed into flexible virtual environments, allowing customization of environmental elements to enhance student learning. This study explored the effects of window settings in virtual classrooms on learning experiences of students. Utilizing a within-subjects design, we simulated a virtual classroom environment with seven unique window settings and varied its view content (nature vs. urban) and time of day (daytime, sunset, and night). We also simulated a windowless condition. Thirty-five university students participated in the study and performed subjective evaluations and cognitive tasks. Moreover, their physiological responses were recorded using electroencephalogram measurements. The results indicated that environments with windows increased the perception of spaciousness and promoted a state of relaxed alertness, as evidenced by increased fast alpha brainwave activity. In contrast, settings without windows or with urban views increased the sense of presence. Daytime views positively affected valence, motivation, spaciousness, and concentration, whereas nighttime views were the least preferred. No significant differences were observed in cognitive task performance across the different conditions. These findings underscore the necessity of customizing virtual learning environments to meet individual user needs. By allowing students to adjust their virtual environments, educators and space designers can create more flexible and personalized virtual-reality educational spaces, ultimately improving learning outcomes.

This study probed how baseline cortisol (BC), negative emotionality (NE), and environmental facets—classroom size and window view—interact to affect executive function (EF) in preschoolers using virtual reality (VR). In a cohort of 144 children aged 61–85 months, BC levels were measured by saliva assays and NE by parental surveys. Participants completed computerized EF assessments both pre- and post-exposure to one of four VR conditions, which varied by classroom size (large vs. small) and window view (natural vs. built). Due to missing data and outlier responses, three children were removed from the analyses. Regression analyses, accounting for initial EFs, revealed that higher BC was significantly associated with better Digit-span task scores in the nature view, while lower BC correlated with improved performance in the built view. With regard to classroom size, children with varying levels of NE benefitted from the large classroom environment, as evidenced by marginally significant improvements on the Corsi block task. However, higher NE children outperformed their lower NE peers in the large classroom, while a trend inverted in the small classroom context. The findings illuminate how the physical components of preschool environments may interact with children's physiological reactivity, potentially influencing the development of working memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the respondents’ reactions to window views in dense urban environments. A representative sample of multistorey buildings in residential neighbourhoods in close-up window view was observed. To test the respondents’ reactions to window views and the influence of various architectural features, the data was collected with an online questionnaire. The respondents were selecting a reaction to an individual window view, evaluated features and defined causes for their decisions. Results were analysed with descriptive statistics and Chi-Square test was used to analyse the relationship between the variables. The research indicates that window views in densely build urban environments that restrict the building from the context of the space received predominantly negative reactions, but due to various features and causes. As a general rule, the restricted window views increase importance of architectural details, increase importance of surface treatment of façades and decrease importance of the façade geometry. Specifically, the research indicates that the age of the respondents and the way they spend their day does not significantly influence their tolerance to unfavourable window views.

Our surroundings, as viewed through the window, have a significant impact on how we feel, how we think, and how productive we are. In order to build settings that promote pleasant emotions and support mental health, whether at home or at work, it is crucial to take the window view into account as well as any potential consequences it may have. In this study, we first conduct a bibliometric analysis of the topic using Elsevier SciVal data. Then, using a questionnaire survey, we proceed to determine what is the respondents' favourite window view and what is the reason they look through the window. The results show that the preferred window view contains greenery, and the main reason for looking through the window is mental disconnection. The Chi-Square test results suggest that there is a correlation between age and the preferred window view. Furthermore, the results also showed that there is a connection between the environment where the respondents spend the majority of their workday and the reason for looking through the window. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the increasing enrollment of young children in childcare institutes, there have been few empirical studies on the effects of spatial elements on their development. This study explored the impact of preschool classroom size (large vs. small) and window view (natural vs. built environment) on young children's executive functions and physiological stress responses, using cortisol and heart rate variability (HRV) as indicators and employing virtual reality (VR) technology. Out of 144 participants aged 61–85 months, three were excluded due to missing values and outliers. Executive function tests were administered, and saliva samples were collected before and after VR exposure; HRV data were gathered during the experience. ANCOVA results indicated significant improvements in cognitive flexibility, as measured based on the Dimensional Change Card Sorting task, in the large classroom condition, and a marginally significant decrease in visuo-spatial working memory, as measured with the Corsi block task, in the small classroom condition. The classroom size conditions did not significantly differ in cortisol response, but the large classroom condition showed marginally significant HRV indices, suggesting increased relaxation. No significant effects on executive functions or physiological responses were found in either window view condition. Overall, the findings suggest that classroom size may influence young children's cognitive flexibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern lifestyles result in people spending 90% of their time indoors, where windows serve as a unique component providing an outdoor view and enabling visual experiences. Chromogenic windows, which adjust both thermal and visual conditions, represent a promising fenestration system for achieving energy savings. However, the tinting properties and their effects on human responses to filtered window views have not been thoroughly explored. This study conducted an experimental test using a customised questionnaire to investigate eight distinct window conditions in a hotel building. Forty-five participants took part in this evaluation by observing photographs. The conclusions drawn are as follows: (1) All tinted windows were found to be less acceptable than clear windows; however, the bronze window was relatively preferred. (2) In terms of visual capacity, the red window had the most negative effect, followed by the blue window. (3) Considering the window views, the tinted windows significantly disturbed the view outside. These results have the potential to guide the development of chromogenic windows in practical applications in the future, particularly from the perspective of colour selection.

Daylighting standards dictate that the view seen through a window can be evaluated using several criteria. Among one of them is the distance at which the visual content can be seen. However, not enough guidance is given on how this criterion can be applied in practice. We used two approaches to address this problem: online surveys and human subject assessment in a controlled experiment using an artificial window. Images were used in both cases to represent window views. Two independent groups of participants took part in either study and both gave subjective satisfaction ratings to three parameters, namely, connection to the outside, visual content and visual privacy. Eighteen images were evaluated in the online surveys by a total of 91 participants while eight images were rated by 50 participants that took part in the controlled experiment. We developed a calculation method, named the Observer Landscape Distance (OLD), to quantify the distance of the window view landscape from the occupant. Our initial results showed that people are more satisfied when features are far away. However, we also showed that when the landscape contained nature, the effect of distance was smaller. If far away views cannot be provided due to site constrains, nature (e.g. trees) should be integrated nearby to increase satisfaction. Current daylighting standards promote distant views regardless of its visual content (nature or urban). We found that visual content matters and occupants prefer urban features to be viewed from a distance, whereas this same recommendation does not apply for nature.

Many studies point out the importance of the window views to the surroundings, as they have a significant impact on children's well-being, living comfort and learning performance. Nevertheless, this aspect is overlooked and usually not included as one of the main criteria for designing school facilities in an urban area. The purpose of the study was to find out how the students are responding to the potential of classroom’s window views. To collect data a questionnaire was implemented in three Slovenian primary schools (in the third triad). The respondent were pupils from three different Slovenian regions. The results were processed with the statistical package SPSS for Windows and with the MS Excel tool. The pupils answered consistently to the questions in the survey. They like their classroom because of the large windows with lots of light and because of the window view of green areas. Most pupils prefer to sit by the window because they like to look outside at the surroundings. Otherwise, they would prefer to look at water, greenery, and nature. The least they would like is the view of neighbouring buildings nearby, especially if the view is without greenery, or of a busy street. They like to look out the window, even if sitting by the window is sometimes unpleasant if too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter. The noise passing through the window clearly does not bother them. The result of the study can be helpful in designing school facilities in an urban environment.

One in every 700 babies worldwide is born with an intellectual disability such as Down Syndrome (DS), Autism Spectrum disorders, Cerebral Palsy etc. Architecture significantly enhances users' development skills by leveraging the environment to fulfil their mental and psychological needs, by boosting sustained attention in learning spaces. Based on existing literature, this research focused on the impact of greenery in window view of the classroom on visual sustained attention (VSA) of children with DS. Data of 19 participants (10 male, 9 female) of a selected school between the ages of 9 - 16 years (mean age - 11.42 years) was collected on existing and introduced levels of greenery in window view using three dimensional simulations and were analysed. The study revealed that the view with 40% to 60% of greenery at far view depth (Scenario B) has a positive impact on VSA over both the existing window view (Scenario A) and the window view with 80% to 100% greenery (Scenario C). However, scenario C did not show any positive impact over scenario B as assumed. One reason for this could be the inclusion of the sky view in scenario B, and the findings indicate that the introduction of greenery in the window view has a positive impact on VSA of children with DS, if the sky view is maintained. These findings can be used towards a design framework for classrooms in the future contexts of education in Sri Lanka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Contemporary Educational Studies / Sodobna Pedagogika is the property of Association of Slovenian Educationalists and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In urban environments, high-rise buildings efficiently use vertical space in densely populated areas; however, they may also negatively affect mental health. Despite this, the existing literature lacks sufficient research on how high-rise buildings' exterior features promote citizens' well-being, particularly concerning building facade characteristics like window-to-wall ratio (WWR) and height-to-width ratio (HWR). Therefore, this study employed virtual reality (VR) technology to simulate 27 visual scenes of high-rise window views, presented to 40 participants to assess their subjective impressions of perceived oppressiveness. This research revealed an inverse bivariate correlation between perceived oppressiveness and environmental preference. Facade characteristics of high-rise office buildings emerged as crucial influencers of citizens' mental well-being. Specifically, increasing the window-to-wall ratio tended to diminish oppressiveness while elevating the height-to-width ratio exacerbated feelings of oppressiveness. The variable of floor level exhibited a nonlinear relationship with the perception of oppressiveness. The nonlinear regression model predicts the values of oppressiveness associated with various facade characteristics and observation floors. Quantitative analysis indicated that increasing the ratio of the sky while decreasing the ratio of buildings within window views reduced perceived oppressiveness. This study underscores the significance of facade characteristics and visual elements in urban design for improving mental health, offering valuable insights for designers and policymakers. • The facade characteristics of high-rise office buildings are critical factors influencing the mental well-being of citizens. • Augmenting the window-to-wall ratio decreases perceived oppressiveness, whereas increasing the height-to-width ratio intensifies perceived oppressiveness. • Viewing floor level shows a non-linear relationship with perceived oppressiveness. • Quantitative analysis indicates that increasing the ratio of the sky while decreasing the ratio of buildings within window views reduces perceived oppressiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study probed how baseline cortisol (BC), negative emotionality (NE), and environmental facets—classroom size and window view—interact to affect executive function (EF) in preschoolers using virtual reality (VR). In a cohort of 144 children aged 61–85 months, BC levels were measured by saliva assays and NE by parental surveys. Participants completed computerized EF assessments both pre- and post-exposure to one of four VR conditions, which varied by classroom size (large vs. small) and window view (natural vs. built). Due to missing data and outlier responses, three children were removed from the analyses. Regression analyses, accounting for initial EFs, revealed that higher BC was significantly associated with better Digit-span task scores in the nature view, while lower BC correlated with improved performance in the built view. With regard to classroom size, children with varying levels of NE benefitted from the large classroom environment, as evidenced by marginally significant improvements on the Corsi block task. However, higher NE children outperformed their lower NE peers in the large classroom, while a trend inverted in the small classroom context. The findings illuminate how the physical components of preschool environments may interact with children’s physiological reactivity, potentially influencing the development of working memory.

Despite the increasing enrollment of young children in childcare institutes, there have been few empirical studies on the effects of spatial elements on their development. This study explored the impact of preschool classroom size (large vs. small) and window view (natural vs. built environment) on young children’s executive functions and physiological stress responses, using cortisol and heart rate variability (HRV) as indicators and employing virtual reality (VR) technology. Out of 144 participants aged 61–85 months, three were excluded due to missing values and outliers. Executive function tests were administered, and saliva samples were collected before and after VR exposure; HRV data were gathered during the experience. ANCOVA results indicated significant improvements in cognitive flexibility, as measured based on the Dimensional Change Card Sorting task, in the large classroom condition, and a marginally significant decrease in visuo-spatial working memory, as measured with the Corsi block task, in the small classroom condition. The classroom size conditions did not significantly differ in cortisol response, but the large classroom condition showed marginally significant HRV indices, suggesting increased relaxation. No significant effects on executive functions or physiological responses were found in either window view condition. Overall, the findings suggest that classroom size may influence young children’s cognitive flexibility.

Window view is an important parameter of living comfort. In densely urbanized areas, window view is often limited to the nearby façade, without all three visual layers visible and possibility of distant view. The purpose of the study is to examine what reactions are triggered by views of nearby façades, which by definition are not quality window views, and how the reactions of observers are influenced by additional greenery on the façade. A questionnaire survey was used in the study as a method for obtaining research data. Respondents defined reactions to 20 various window views and the reasons for them. The results showed that reactions to window views of nearby façades varied, and that the negative response depended not only on a limited number of visual layers and the distance between buildings, but also on visual aesthetic.Furthermore, added greenery in the window view triggered more positive reactions than did façades without greenery. Measures for greening façades are proposed.

Window views can enable restorativeness. Previous studies define characteristics of natural environment that trigger restorativeness, but fewer studies are dealing with restorative characteristics of urban environment. The purpose of this study is to identify qualities that enable restorativeness in natural and urban window views. Using a questionnaire survey as a method for obtaining the research data, responses of architectural students are analysed. To identify restorative potential in window views evaluation method according to Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory (ART) is used. Additional evaluation method for urban views is applied using Lynch’s theory of designing urban space that people can enjoy. Our findings show that urban views can be analysed according to Lynch’s visual qualities to identify the restorative potential of urban environments. Our findings also show that Lynch’s criteria may coincide with Kaplan’s criteria for assessing restorativeness. To define restorative potential in urban views in an early design phase, new evaluation methods are needed to transcend the renowned Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory into more approachable design mechanisms for designers and decision makers. Well-being of the inhabitants in a future dense urban environment will only be provided with an adequate window view.

A growing body of research indicates that visual exposure to nature can enhance mental well-being. However, the impact of such contact through high-rise building windows remains unclear. To address this significant knowledge gap, we utilized aerial drone-captured videos taken from a height of 90 m to present comprehensive visual panoramas encompassing various scenes observed through high-rise building windows. These scenes included three key elements: built structures, greenery, and water bodies. Forty-five participants were randomly assigned to view six conditions in a laboratory setting. Physio-psychological responses to each condition were measured using a portable electroencephalogram device, which continuously recorded brainwaves, and ErgoLAB, which monitored heart rate variability. Additionally, participants completed anxiety level assessments and subjective feelings questionnaires. Our findings revealed that visual contact with all window views produced significantly greater positive effects compared to viewing control or built environments. Among the window views, those featuring green space with water or green space alone elicited the most beneficial outcomes, including increased alpha brainwave activity, enhanced parasympathetic nervous system activation, heightened levels of relaxation and comfort, and lower anxiety levels. The study's findings indicate that high-rise building residents can benefit from 4-min exposure to greenery, either with water or alone, through window views, in promoting mental health. The study emphasizes the importance of considering window views in urban high-rise planning and design to enhance the mental health and well-being of city dwellers. • Investigated the impact of high-rise window views on well-being. • Assessed physiological and psychological responses to different views. • Measured brain activity, heart rate variability, and self-reported feelings. • Greenery and water views provided the highest positive effects on well-being. • Urban building views and windowless settings provided fewer relaxation benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Window views can enable restorativeness. Previous studies define characteristics of natural environment that trigger restorativeness, but fewer studies are dealing with restorative characteristics of urban environment. The purpose of this study is to identify qualities that enable restorativeness in natural and urban window views. Using a questionnaire survey as a method for obtaining the research data, responses of architectural students are analysed. To identify restorative potential in window views evaluation method according to Kaplan's Attention Restoration Theory (ART) is used. Additional evaluation method for urban views is applied using Lynch's theory of designing urban space that people can enjoy. Our findings show that urban views can be analysed according to Lynch's visual qualities to identify the restorative potential of urban environments. Our findings also show that Lynch's criteria may coincide with Kaplan's criteria for assessing restorativeness. To define restorative potential in urban views in an early design phase, new evaluation methods are needed to transcend the renowned Kaplan's Attention Restoration Theory into more approachable design mechanisms for designers and decision makers. Well-being of the inhabitants in a future dense urban environment will only be provided with an adequate window view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The salutary effect of window views on greenery for inpatients in hospitals on length of stay and recovery rate has been repeatedly shown, however, not for psychiatric inpatients. The study assessed the association between a window view on green trees or man-made objects and brightness of the room on length of stay in a sample of psychiatric inpatients from one clinic. Methods. Data records of 244 psychiatric inpatients (mean age in years 41.8; SD = 11.8; 59.8% female, length of stay varying between 7 and 100 days) that were admitted between May 2013 and October 2018 with affective disorders were examined. Window view was assessed with images taken from each room and classified into showing man-made objects or green trees. The percentage of green within each image was also calculated as greenness of the view. Brightness was assessed with a luxmeter. Results. Although no effect was found for the dichotomous measures (man-made objects vs. green trees), a suppression effect emerged for percentage of green and brightness. The results indicate that both greenness of the window view as well as brightness significantly reduce length of stay in psychiatric inpatients with affective disorders. Conclusions. The suppression effect likely results from the characteristics of the windows; the greenest rooms also being the darkest. Due to the infrastructure of the ward, greenness and brightness came at the expense of each other. The results generally support the importance of a view into greenery and natural sunlight for recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Creativity Game / Igra Ustvarjalnosti is the property of University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Architecture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Background The salutary effect of window views on greenery for inpatients in hospitals on length of stay and recovery rate has been repeatedly shown, however, not for psychiatric inpatients. The study assessed the association between a window view on green trees or man-made objects and brightness of the room on length of stay in a sample of psychiatric inpatients from one clinic. Methods Data records of 244 psychiatric inpatients (mean age in years 41.8; SD = 11.8; 59.8% female, length of stay varying between 7 and 100 days) that were admitted between May 2013 and October 2018 with affective disorders were examined. Window view was assessed with images taken from each room and classified into showing man-made objects or green trees. The percentage of green within each image was also calculated as greenness of the view. Brightness was assessed with a luxmeter. Results Although no effect was found for the dichotomous measures (man-made objects vs. green trees), a suppression effect emerged for percentage of green and brightness. The results indicate that both greenness of the window view as well as brightness significantly reduce length of stay in psychiatric inpatients with affective disorders. Conclusions The suppression effect likely results from the characteristics of the windows; the greenest rooms also being the darkest. Due to the infrastructure of the ward, greenness and brightness came at the expense of each other. The results generally support the importance of a view into greenery and natural sunlight for recovery.

This article examines the material and socio-cultural mechanisms by which everyday urban and rural walking is controlled, regulated, limited, or affected, as seen through the lens of nineteenth century visual arts with support of literary and historical accounts. Inspired by the interdisciplinary research on walking, I discuss three cases of different cultural and historical backgrounds and examine therein the instances in which the experience of walking cannot fully take place, or its movements are shaped or controlled by real or imaginary forces, either external or internal, or even by other modes of transportation: 1) C. G. Carus’ socially constrained travelling in Italy in 1828, leading up to his painting Erinnerung an Neapel, 2) the history of the Pont Neuf and the use and regulation of Paris footways through lithographs and ‘impressionist’ paintings in the Third Republic, and 3) the motif of the ‘riukuaita’ (round-pole fence) in lithographs, landscape paintings and photographs during the Golden Age of Finnish Art. Thus, art objects are considered as both artworks and historical documents that illuminate the imaginary and actuality of historical events related to migration, bordering processes, and control of mobility.

Previous studies have shown that natural window views are beneficial for mental health, but it is still unclear which specific features constitute a 'natural' window view. On the other hand, studies on image analysis found that low-level visual features (LLVFs) are associated with perceived naturalness, but mainly conducted experiments with brief stimulus presentations. In this study, research on the effects of window views on mental health was combined with the detailed analysis of LLVFs. Healthy adults rated window views from their home and sent in photographs of those views for analysis. Content validity of the 'ecological' view assessment was evaluated by checking correlations of LLVFs with window view ratings. Afterwards, it was explored which of the LLVFs best explained variance in perceived percentage of nature and man-made elements, and in ratings of view quality. Criterion validity was tested by investigating which variables were associated with negative affect and impulsive decision-making. The objective and subjective assessments of nature/sky in the view were aligned but objective brightness was unreliable. The perceived percentage of nature was significantly explained by green pixel ratio, while view quality was associated with fractals, saturation, sky pixel ratio and straight edge density. The higher subjective brightness of rooms was associated with a lower negative affect, whereas results for impulsive decision-making were inconsistent. The research highlights the validity to apply LLVFs analysis to ecological window views. For affect, subjective brightness seemed to be more relevant than LLVFs. For impulsive decision-making, performance context needs to be controlled in future studies.

Background and aims: Today job stress is one of the most important problems of staffs that has physical and mental impact on them and also reduces their efficiency; therefore, it can affect organizations’ productivity and economy. Besides, regarding offices around the world and their improvements in 20th century comparing to offices in Iran, shows that we need to research and change Iranian official spaces design. The aim of this study is to analyze the role of natural lighting, window views and indoor plants on stress reduction of offices’ staffs. Methods: To achieve this end, Psychophysics method is used. Also, to evaluate stressful conditions, a researcher-making test based on Stroop Word-Color Test is examined and collected data is analyzed by using MATLAB. The examinees are teachers from all provinces in Iran. Results: The analysis shows that the reaction time is increased in stimulus showing lack of natural light, window view and indoor plants. Accordingly, the average reaction time in unpleasant images is significantly more than pleasant ones (P

This study argues on the importance of considering the visual capacity of the observers in the placement of the windows to provide views to the natural outdoor environment. In particular, this study explores the mechanism of seeing that involves foveal and peripheral view in defining the patients' visual capacity in experiencing the spaces of the healing environment. The placement of windows to connect the inside with the outside becomes irrelevant when their placement is not within the patient's visual range. To examine the patient's view toward the windows, we performed a 3d simulation of a hospital inpatient room and captured the scenes representing the foveal and peripheral views of the openings from various positions of bed-ridden patients. The region calculation of the opening elements within the captured image reveals the presence of opening within the peripheral range of patients' view. This study suggests that the design of healing environment should not be based merely on the physical arrangement of interior elements, but should also consider how the elements are experienced within the view of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In modern cities, the roof of multi-rise buildings is one of the primary visual contents when viewing from high-rise buildings. Due to the window view content being a significant factor affecting restoration, different roof types might affect restoration potential. However, limited literature has focused on the restoration effect of different roof types. Therefore, this study examined the association between the perception of roof type by the Perceived Sensory Dimensions (PSDs) and the restoration potential by the Short-version Revised Restoration Scale (SRRS). In the stepwise regression model, four variables of PSDs (i.e., Serene, Nature, Social, and Rich in species) have a significant linear relationship to predict the restoration. A series of analyses of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc tests evaluated differences in restorative effects based on the site, the roof type, and the floor level. The experimental analysis showed that the viewing floor level has no significant difference in the assessment of restoration when we focus on surrounding building roofs. This result might be due to the characteristics of window content, such as environmental openness, enclosure, and visual complexity. Meanwhile, viewing the garden roof from higher floor levels (i.e., 9 F and 27 F) has a better restorative effect than viewing the flat roof, the slope roof, and the grass roof. The empirical findings suggested that buildings' surrounding environments significantly correlate with the restoration of window view. Furthermore, when high-rise buildings are surrounded by multi-rise residential buildings, choosing the garden roof as a renovation method benefits restoration over the flat roof, the slope roof, and the grass roof. This study encourages researchers and practitioners to design psychologically sustainable urban environments by linking different roof types with restoration. • The roof type of the multi-rise buildings affected the restoration of high-rise window views, and the garden roof had the best restoration effect. • Viewing the garden roof from higher floor levels has a better restorative effect than viewing the flat roof, the slope roof, and the grass roof. • Adding green space to the window view of the lower floor level will improve the restoration effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that access to a satisfactory view to the outside with sufficient daylight is essential for building occupants' health and well-being. It has also been suggested that certain features of visual content improve view-out quality, such as horizontal stratification, natural landscapes, distant features, and diversity of visual elements. Additionally, having movement and changes in viewing content has been shown to further strengthen building occupants' engagement and connectivity to their surrounding environment. The objective of this paper is to review the literature on the dynamism of the view content and the inclusion of this criterion in the current metrics of view evaluation. Our review revealed a need for further research on view dynamism, especially focusing on testing different types, speeds, and scales of movement on view quality assessment. It also showed that more comprehensive view evaluation frameworks should be developed to accurately preserve the dynamic qualities of window views in experimental settings. While many view rating metrics have acknowledged the importance of movement, this criterion is to date ignored or only poorly included in existing metrics, which further highlights the need of learning more about this topic. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study probed how baseline cortisol (BC), negative emotionality (NE), and environmental facets-classroom size and window view-interact to affect executive function (EF) in preschoolers using virtual reality (VR). In a cohort of 144 children aged 61-85 months, BC levels were measured by saliva assays and NE by parental surveys. Participants completed computerized EF assessments both pre- and post-exposure to one of four VR conditions, which varied by classroom size (large vs. small) and window view (natural vs. built). Due to missing data and outlier responses, three children were removed from the analyses. Regression analyses, accounting for initial EFs, revealed that higher BC was significantly associated with better Digit-span task scores in the nature view, while lower BC correlated with improved performance in the built view. With regard to classroom size, children with varying levels of NE benefitted from the large classroom environment, as evidenced by marginally significant improvements on the Corsi block task. However, higher NE children outperformed their lower NE peers in the large classroom, while a trend inverted in the small classroom context. The findings illuminate how the physical components of preschool environments may interact with children's physiological reactivity, potentially influencing the development of working memory.

We investigated two-directional relations between various types of exposure to the natural world, at work and at home, and employee well-being. In total, 841 employees answered an electronic questionnaire twice with a one-year interval. Path analysis indicated that frequent physical activity in natural surroundings during free time predicted greater vitality over a one-year period after including control variables. The use of one's yard/garden and happiness were marginally positively associated over time. None of the variables involving exposure to the natural world at work were linked to the well-being measures. In the reverse direction, creativity at work predicted more frequent and vitality less frequent use of one's domestic garden. Happiness was marginally positively related to the frequency of physical activity in nature. The results suggest that free time physical activity in natural surroundings is a potential strategy for enhancing employee vitality across time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nature Exposure Index (NEI) defined on window views and walkability of natural sites. • Holistically assessed physical-visual nature exposures for the built environment. • Pareto optimality-based identification of areas with low-level nature exposures. • NEI -enabled analytics for probabilistic outputs and robustness of linear weightings. • A case study of a high-rise, high-density area with 519 buildings for validation. Urban dwellers enjoy nature exposure in the neighborhood built environment through visual and physical ways, such as window views and outdoor activities. However, existing studies and analytics examine these pathways separately, leading to underinformed urban planning practices such as difficult prioritizing urban areas with both low-level nature exposures. The underinformation problem is particularly severe for high-rise, high-density cities that embrace high-level vertical diversity. This study aims to propose bi-objective analytics of 3D visual-physical nature exposures, for holistic – rather than separated – assessments. First, a floor-level Nature Exposure Index (NEI) is defined with visual and physical components. The visual component NEI v is assessed by window view imagery and deep transfer learning, while the physical component NEI p reflects the mean time from the floor to the nearest natural sites (e.g., nature parks and seaside) through the 3D pedestrian network. Then, bi-objective optimization-based analytics is designed for (i) identifying buildings and blocks with holistically low-level visual-physical nature exposures using NEI and (ii) examining probabilistic outputs and robustness of linear weighting schemes. A case study of 519 buildings showed that the NEI -enabled bi-objective analytics is automatic, effective, and inexpensive. Interviews with field experts confirmed that the analytics provides comprehensive evidence for a holistic identification of high-rise, high-density areas in need of nature exposure for landscape management and urban planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]