Multisensory design of pocket gardens for reducing stress and improving well-being, performance and satisfaction

Small (pocket) gardens could benefit persons living and working in modern cities. Yet, the landscape elements specifically responsible for such have not been scientifically defined. We examined isolated effects of specific landscape elements: sound, smell, ground cover, color of blossoms and bench texture; for relaxation, wellness and functionality. An interactive pictorial and vocal internet questionnaire revealed significant preference for birds chirping and fountains, and for the smell of herbal tea mix (N=219). These elements were checked at a visualization lab (a 3-D immersive theatre). Stress was induced by the PASAT test during exposure to 3D pocket garden views, with smell or sound in random order. Functional, physiological (skin sweat and pulse) and subjective measures were assessed (N=20). Although no significant differences were found in physiological and functional measures, our experimental setup appears a promising and innovative approach for defining environmental elements for relaxation and wellness promotion of urban gardens.