Using virtual reality to study preference and restorativeness for streetscape vegetation design

The presence of small urban green spaces, such as streetscape vegetation, plays a significant role in the daily exposure to nature for a considerable proportion of urban inhabitants across the globe. This study examines how specific design elements (vegetal and non-vegetal) of small urban green spaces influence human preferences and their alignment with perceived restorativeness dimensions. In each of the 30 trials, participants selected their preferred option and gave reasons for their choice based on the four aspects of the Attention Restoration Theory (fascination, coherence, being away, compatibility). The results demonstrate that the absence of a fence was the most preferred option, irrespective of the fence type. Shorter fences and fences that include greenery were found to be significantly more favored than other types, primarily due to the factor of fascination. Conversely, attributes such as metal and high fences were selected less frequently, with coherence identified as the primary reason for this preference. The most preferred vegetation type was trees, which were selected primarily due to their capacity to evoke fascination. In contrast, bushes and grass, which were less favored, were chosen for their contribution to coherence. A medium level of diversity was preferred over high or low levels when the arrangement of vegetation was not regular. Furthermore, random and regular arrangements were less favored than an intermediate level of arrangement. With regard to the Attention Restoration Theory dimensions, fascination was the primary motive for all options except for the regular arrangement. These findings could assist designers of small urban green spaces in creating more restorative environments. Additionally, the study illustrates the value of employing virtual environments in environmental preference research.