Effect of natural and artificial surroundings on perceived restorativeness and affective states: Evidence from a satellite image segmentation-based method

This study introduces an integrative methodology combining satellite image segmentation and psychometric modeling to investigate how near-home environments influence psychological restoration and affective experiences. Using an ad-hoc clustering procedure on satellite imagery, we quantified environmental features (green spaces, gray areas, roofs, shadows) surrounding the home of 917 Italian university students. These objective features were then linked to self-reported perceptions of restorativeness and emotional states (pleasure, arousal, dominance). University and nature restorativeness were included as negative-control outcomes to test context-specificity; objective features were extracted only around home. Results revealed that gray spaces negatively predicted restorativeness, particularly diminishing psychological distancing (“being-away”), attentional engagement (“fascination”), and spatial openness (“scope”). Structural Equation Models (SEM) confirmed that these components significantly mediated the relationship between gray space and affective outcomes. Specifically, gray spaces indirectly reduced emotional states of pleasure and arousal through diminished restorativeness, while also exerting a positive association with emotions of dominance, possibly reflecting feelings of environmental control or adaptation in urban contexts. Our approach advances previous research by isolating the psychological pathways linking built environments to emotional well-being, and by demonstrating the value of combining environmental segmentation with latent variable modeling. The findings support the development of urban planning strategies aimed at reducing gray space exposure and enhancing restorative features in residential areas, thereby promoting emotional resilience and well-being. • Satellite image clustering quantifies green/gray space near student residences • Gray space negatively predicts perceived restorativeness dimensions at home • Green space promotes fascination, being-away, and spatial scope perceptions • Restorativeness mediates the effect of gray space on pleasure and arousal • Our method informs planning to enhance emotional well-being via green design