Psychophysiological effects of landsape's atmospheric qualities
2010
Frohmann, E., Universitaet fuer Bodenkultur Wien, Wien (Austria). Institut fuer Landschaftsarchitektur | Grote, V. | Avian, A. | Moser, M.
Approaching space in a contemplative manner has shown that landscapes possess varying forms of vitality which impact both human psyche and body. Thus, when encountering space more profoundly physical and emotional processes are set off which, via the vegetative system, can have a calming or stimulating effect on humans. The present study investigates the psychological and physical effects the space atmosphere of varying landscapes has on the state of humans. Fourteen persons were asked to stand with their eyes closed in contemplative silence at three different locations around Krimmler Waterfalls in Austria _ close to a waterfall, in a small forest and in rocky terrain with boulders. The method of heart rate variability which measures the cardiovascular system was used to survey the physiological reactions and the Basel Mood Inventory was applied to monitor psychological and emotional effects. Results of the physiological data show significant variations among the individual landscapes. Test persons' heart rates were the most activated at the waterfall. Vegetative relaxation was the highest in the copse. Subjective perception showed that test persons felt more active and vital at the waterfall than at either of the other locations. The surveyed impact on heart variability and on the emotional state, thus, show that a landscape's atmosphere has effects on both a human's psyche and body. In addition, test results further holistic comprehension of landscape and provide growth potential in the areas of tourism and recreation.
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