Design
What Makes Nature Look Natural?
Understanding the visual elements that scan as "natural" could mean better design for built environments.
Natural space sharpens the mind and improves the mood. This much we know.
But what are the particular properties of green settings that enhance our mental well-being? To start to answer, you'd have to know what visually scans as "natural"—not just obvious stuff like trees, grass, or birds, but basic features like light, color, and lines. A new study led by Marc Berman, a University of Chicago psychology professor, parses out these visual cues. It's a step toward helping designers, planners, and architects develop spaces that offer maximum mental benefits.