How Restorative Design in Aquatic Center Enhances User Learning Engagement: The Critical Role of Attention Restoration: An Environmental Psychology Approach with Implications for Sports Buildings

With the increasing depth of research on built environments, theories of restorative environments and concepts of biophilic design have garnered widespread attention in the field of architecture. Based on Attention Restoration Theory (ART) and Flow Theory, this study systematically investigates how the architectural environment of aquatic centers influences users’ learning engagement in sports through psychological mechanisms. Analysis of cross-sectional data from 865 users revealed that all four core dimensions of restorative environments (being away, extent, fascination, and compatibility) significantly positively affect users’ learning engagement in aquatic centers. Psychological flow was found to mediate the relationship between these restorative dimensions and learning engagement. Building on previous research, this study constructs a theoretical framework of “restorative design–flow experience–learning behavior”, integrating the architectural features of aquatic centers with users’ psychological experiences. This approach addresses the gap in existing research where architectural elements and user psychological experiences have been studied in isolation, providing a theoretical basis for optimizing user experience through environmental interventions in sports architecture. The findings extend the application of environmental psychology in sports architecture and offer practical guidance for designing aquatic environments that promote learning engagement.