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The Perceived Restorativeness of Outdoor Spatial Characteristics for High School Adolescents: A Case Study from China

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  • Xiaoxia Bai

    (School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
    Hubei Engineering and Technology Research Center of Urbanization, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China)

  • Xinxin Li

    (School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
    Hubei Engineering and Technology Research Center of Urbanization, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China)

  • Ding Yan

    (School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
    Hubei Engineering and Technology Research Center of Urbanization, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China)

Abstract

Heavy schoolwork and overpopulated classrooms have made high schools overstressed environments. Previous investigations have identified a wide body of naturally restorative elements. However, evidence regarding the relationship between spatial typology and its perceived restorativeness (PR) for adolescents is limited. This paper explores the connection between spatial characteristics and PR by linking their restorative quality to how they are actually used. A high school with multiple types of outdoor spaces is used as a case study and typical spatial characteristics (area, distance, and openness) are quantified. A revised perceived restorativeness scale (RPRS) is exploited to assess the restorative quality of different spaces, and a self-reported questionnaire is used to map the actual usage. The obtained results reveal that: (1) the restorativeness of the selected spaces varied considerably, with a natural garden being more restorative than a built environment; (2) the area and openness were positively correlated to the PR, but the distance was negatively correlated; (3) the theoretical dimensions of “getting away” at high school are primarily psychological, not physical; (4) the actual use of outdoor spaces during breaks does not match the students’ favorite places or their PR. These findings expand our understanding of the role of spatial characteristics in PR in high schools and indicate direct links between campus design and restorative quality.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaoxia Bai & Xinxin Li & Ding Yan, 2022. "The Perceived Restorativeness of Outdoor Spatial Characteristics for High School Adolescents: A Case Study from China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-14, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:12:p:7156-:d:836215
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shan Lu & Wonseok Oh & Ryozo Ooka & Lijun Wang, 2022. "Effects of Environmental Features in Small Public Urban Green Spaces on Older Adults’ Mental Restoration: Evidence from Tokyo," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-22, April.
    2. Cong Tao & Jiaxin Li & Dao Zhou & Jiamin Sun & Di Peng & Dayi Lai, 2022. "Outdoor Space Quality Mapping by Combining Accessibility, Openness, and Microclimate: A Case Study in a Neighborhood Park in Shanghai, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-16, March.
    3. Renata Rutkauskaite & Thordis Gisladottir & Maret Pihu & Lise Kjonniksen & Irinja Lounassalo & Terhi Huovinen & Rita Gruodyte-Raciene & Kristina Visagurskiene & Orn Olafson & Merike Kull & Ieva Rudzin, 2021. "Schoolyard Affordances for Physical Activity: A Pilot Study in 6 Nordic–Baltic Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-18, October.
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    2. Aida Nosrati & Mahdieh Pazhouhanfar & Chongxian Chen & Patrik Grahn, 2024. "Designing Stress-Relieving Small Inner-City Park Environments for Teenagers," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-24, October.

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