Ulrich, R.S., 1984, The psychological benefits of plants, in: Garden [United States], 8, 6
- Author : Ulrich, R.S.
- Year : 1984
- Journal/Series : Garden [United States]
- Volume Number (ANNUAL: Counting Volumes of the Year shown above) : 6
- Volume Number (CONSECUTIVE: Counting all Volumes of this Journal ever published) : 8
- Pages : 16-21
- Abstract in English : The author summarizes research into environmental psychology and suggests some ways to go in the future. About three quarters of the U.S. population lives in cities or urban areas. Unfortunately – despite a widely held notion that natural scenes with trees, grass and flowers are good for people – much of our highly urbanized landscape offers very little vegetation. Almost without exception people prefer natural scenes to cityscapes. The views of nature make people feel better and hold their interest more effectively. The author’s recent studies suggest several ways to put a dollar value on such psychological effects. Such quantitative measure may help to fit vegetation into cost=benefit planning analyses and bring plants in increasing numbers to city sidewalks and spaces. Researches and [planners need to learn more about how people respond to views of "built” versus nature elements, in order to contribute to the design of more liveable urban settings. More objective information should help identify situation in which plants are especially needed, or that would benefit most from them.
- Comments/Notes : KEYWORDS: environmental psychology, health, well being, nature, trees.