Community micro-regeneration design for mindfulness: The effect of spatial openness (JUPD)
Figshare September 13, 2026 DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.33684577.v1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Within-subject crossover experiment Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 92 |
| Population | Adult participants completing four virtual reality sessions (92 valid participants) |
| Intervention | Mindfulness meditation |
| Duration | Four sessions completed in random order |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | The authors report that a closed natural scene, compared with an open scene, generated a stronger sense of refuge and perceived nature connectedness and led to more positive evaluations of the mindfulness experience, including increased interoceptive awareness, interest, and willingness to practice mindfulness. They argue that enclosed spatial openness in natural environments supports environmental perception and mindfulness and can guide health-oriented community design. |
Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the spatial openness of the natural environment on individuals’ environmental and mindfulness perception by using virtual reality tools, with an aim of guiding health-oriented community environmental design.Design/methodology/approach - We employed two within-subject crossover studies that included four sessions: one involved environmental conditions alone, i.e., a closed scene vs. an open scene, and the other involved two environmental conditions with mindfulness meditation. Ninety-two valid participants completed the four sessions in random order.Findings - The results indicated that compared with the open scene, the closed scene not only generated a stronger sense of refuge and perceived nature connectedness but also led to more positive evaluations of the mindfulness experience, including increased awareness of interoception, interest and willingness to practice mindfulness.Originality - A natural environment with enclosed spatial openness plays a significant role in supporting environmental perception and mindfulness evaluation. The study provides empirical evidence for the health benefits of the microrenewal design of community environments.