Restorative psychophysiological effects of biophilic virtual environment

Biophilic design incorporates nature into built environments, creating restorative spaces that enhance health and well-being. This study explored the effects of virtual reality (VR) environments with different levels of biophilic properties on affective and psychophysiological states, perceived restorativeness, and the affective qualities of places. One hundred fifty young adults (87 female) completed a stress-inducing task before being assigned to VR conditions: Bio.Pod, Bio.Pod with a Nature View, or control (work-brake room). Psychophysiological measures (heart rate and skin conductance), affective states, perceived restorativeness, and the affective qualities of places were evaluated. VR environments influenced emotional states (increased valence, reduced arousal) and reduced negative and positive affect. Both Bio.Pod conditions reduced physiological arousal, were perceived more restorative and had more positive affective qualities than the control, whereas cardiac activity was slower in Bio.Pod with Nature View. These findings highlight the potential of biophilic VR environments in promoting psychophysiological stress recovery and well-being. • Biophilic design in virtual reality (VR) integrates nature and architecture • Different biophilic properties in VR influence psychophysiological well-being • Biophilic VR with nature increases restorativeness and positive affective qualities • Biophilic VR modulates affective states, cardiac activity, and skin conductance