Prigimtis
Scientific research is now backing up what garden designers have long understood about specific garden elements that encourage recovery from physical and mental fatigue. Evolutionary biology even influences our responses to landscapes. People prefer views that are reminiscent of the savannas where humans evolved. Throughout human history, trees and water have signalled an oasis, while flowering plants have been a sign of possible food.
Dėmėsio atkūrimo teorija
Below are 4 common features that have been linked through research with natural environments and gardens that provide restoration.
Being away - Time away from usual stresses of life and ‘getting away from it all’
Extent - Provides enough content and structure to occupy the mind
Fascination - Passive interaction, catching and holding your attention without effort
Compatibility - Ease of opportunity to spend time in green space and for special populations its accessibility for the user, their needs and desires. Use is supported, encouraged or demanded by the setting
The Three Main Theories Linking Health with the Natural Environment
Biophilia
Biophilia is an evolutionary theory defined as “the innately emotional affiliation of human beings to other living organisms. Innate means hereditary and hence part of ultimate human nature”. It is proposed to be a genetic sequence that has been programmed over one million years of evolution to respond positively to natural environments to help us survive and thrive. The theory proposes that even now we are attracted to these environments where we feel more content and function more effectively. The next two theories show how this genetic “watermark” may affect our mental health and wellbeing.
Psycho-physiological Stress Recovery Theory
The Psycho-physiological stress recovery theory is based on empirical findings of an immediate positive response to views of nature. This response causes a rapid reduction in stress (Blood pressure, muscle tension pulse rate) usually within minutes of exposure of nature and is most obvious when the body is already stressed7 . The theory assumes that this is an inherent reflex associated with the oldest part of the brain, the limbic system. It proposes that throughout the 1 million years of evolution those that have possessed this immediate recovery will have a greater chance of survival by remaining in areas of safety and food, and remaining mentally alert after stressful situations. As with the Biophilia hypothesis it is assumed to be a result of some deep genetic code.