High-rise window views: Evaluating the physiological and psychological impacts of green, blue, and built environments

• Published in: Building and environment Vol. 262; p. 111798
• Main Authors: Elsadek, Mohamed, Deshun, Zhang, Liu, Binyi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 15.08.2024
• Subjects: Anxiety; High-rise buildings; Human perception; Mental health; Occupant health and well-being; Visual contact; Window view; Visual contact; Window view; Mental health; Anxiety; Occupant health and well-being; High-rise buildings; Human perception
• ISSN: 0360-1323; 1873-684X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2024.111798

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.