Urban built environments have often been studied primarily as a comparison for studying natural spaces. Restorative properties are not exclusive to nature; built environments can also possess such qualities. However, the understanding of the positive effects of built spaces on emotions, cognitive functioning, and psychophysiological responses remains limited. Our project aims to investigate the restorative potential of historical/artistic as well as modern/contemporary environments. In study 1, after a stress induction phase participants were exposed to AI-generated images showing natural environments, historical, historical with nature (mixed) and modern urban environment presented within a Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE) using a between-subjects design. Before and after the exposure participants assessed emotions and arousal. Moreover, they evaluate affective qualities and perceived restorativeness of the environments. Psychophysiological indices were measured throughout the experimental session using an Empatica bracelet. Similarly, in Study 2 participants were exposed to natural, modern/contemporary, and modern/contemporary with nature (mixed) environments in a within subject design.
Results revealed that natural and mixed environments were perceived as most restorative, while modern urban environments were rated as the least restorative and most negatively valenced. Historical environments, although rated lower in a global score of restorativeness, were perceived as fascinating, coherent, engaging, pleasant and increased positive emotions and reduced arousal levels after stress induction, similarly to natural environments. Historical settings were also considered the least boring. Moreover, natural elements and scenarios improved modern/contemporary environments in terms of restorativeness and affective qualities. Overall, the findings underscore the crucial role of historical environments and mixed environments (both historical/artistic and modern/contemporary), which can offer an important and balanced compromise in urban areas for fostering positive emotions and enhancing residents' well-being.