An investigation into the audio-visual characteristics of restorative spaces using VR

The beneficial effect of nature on stress recovery is a topic of general importance, given that population growth, urbanization and thus noise-induced health impacts are likely to increase in the future. But what makes a recreational space 'restorative'? In this contribution, we present findings from a laboratory experiment using VR environments, on the contributions of different audio-visual characteristics of restorative spaces. Self-reported restorative potential and acoustic quality were assessed in a repeated measures design, varying visual setting (forest, lake, urban built space), soundscape (natural, anthropogenic), and sound pressure level (low, medium, high). First results indicate an additive effect of "naturalness": Restorative potential of spaces with both, natural visuals and natural sounds, was highest, but decreased significantly, when (a) moderate road traffic noise (LAeq ≤ 52 dB) was present, or (b) the visual environment was a non-green urban space. Urban spaces with anthropogenic soundscapes were rated with the lowest restorative potential. While increasing sound pressure levels within an anthropogenic soundscape decreased restorative potential, no such association was found for natural soundscapes. These results simultaneously highlight the beneficial effects of nature and the detrimental impact of road traffic noise on restoration.