Have you ever wondered why vacation destinations often feature a natural landscapes? And if you can find this type of natural paradise right here in Singapore?
With support from Singapore’s National Parks Board, the Mind Art Experiential Lab of the National University of Singapore’s Yeo Boon Khim Mind Science Centre has curated the “Nature’s Embrace: A Gift to the Mind” exhibition. The exhibition is open for appointment-based viewing until September 2024. It allows visitors to explore the connection between nature and mental well-being through serene visuals and calming nature melodies. Not to mention, it also provides techniques that can improve the mind-body-nature connection that you can try at home.
Nature’s gifts
Upon entering the exhibit, visitors are greeted by a panel mapping the effects of urban nature on health, ranging from physical well-being and social interactions to mental health. This isn’t an easy feat to illustrate, but the aesthetically pleasing, forest-themed visuals and bite-sized text do the job well.
The exhibit then introduces visitors to the concept of “mindfulness.” Here mindfulness is defined as the awareness that comes from paying attention to the present moment in a non-judgemental manner. By slowing down and becoming more aware of our thoughts and surroundings, we can acknowledge and process them, rather than leaving them to accumulate.
The next exhibition panel demonstrates how nature can facilitate mindfulness by offering restorative settings that engage our senses with soothing features. This provides a break from everyday stressors and allows us to recharge. Imagine the sounds of birds singing in the morning or water trickling down a small waterfall as you stroll amongst lush greenery. Add in a light breeze and subtle flowery scents. These elements bring our attention back to the present, moving us away from the worries of the day.
Panel introducing the features of nature that help facilitate mindfulness.
The exhibition features leading studies conducted by the center on the health benefits of nature on the citizens of Singapore. These include the effects of therapeutic gardening, such as a local 10-week therapeutic horticulture program, on the motor, cognitive, and psycho-social well-being of older adults.
But how do we translate these findings to improve the spaces around us? Dr. Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo’s study on urban green spaces does just that, identifying landscape features that improve mood and boost brain activity. These features, such as high perceived biodiversity and multiple landscape layers, elevate inner calmness, reduce distracting thoughts, and help the mind process information in a clear and neutral manner. This research led to the development of the Contemplative Landscape Model, which is now used to design parks in Singapore to enhance their restorative effects.
The seven Contemplative Landscape Model features that can be seen in nature.
Seeking Solace in the Forest
Picture this. Lush, multi-layered tropical vegetation surrounding a wall with a gentle stream of water flowing down. You can even hear the sound of water as it makes its way across the panel. The “Nature’s Embrace Water Feature” is an installation that engages all the senses of visitors, reflecting the tranquil effects of a forest.
Nearby is the Tropical Paludarium, showcasing a naturalistic representation of what we would typically imagine in a tropical forest river channel. The transparent glass reveals a vertical cross-section, from the canopy layers of vegetation above to the extensive roots reaching into the fine sand and rocks below. This cross-section allows visitors to appreciate the biodiversity and elements that create a healthy ecosystem.
A panel behind the Tropical Paludarium explains the practice of forest bathing, Shinrin-yoku. Originating from Japan, Shinrin-yoku offers physical and mental health benefits when done mindfully, even in Singapore’s highly urbanized landscape. The study conducted by the center found that regular guided forest bathing walks can reduce backaches, lower blood pressure and anxiety, as improve sleep, empathy, and positivity.
Shiinrin-yoku’s health benefits study on Singapore’s population.
The landscape then makes a drastic shift to a mostly white and open installation. The Dry Garden replicates the Japanese stone gardens, Karesansui. With its distinct five-stone arrangement, it evokes the ripple effect of water. The open spaces and white-grey colors create a sense of peaceful silence, demonstrating how different natural landscapes can positively affect us.
Bringing Nature and its Gifts to our Living Spaces
In the middle of the exhibition space, visitors are introduced to nature-based activities that enhance mindfulness. Besides gardening, therapeutic horticulture activities can be done indoors, such as creating terrariums and moss art. By immersing in micro-landscaping, visitors can engage their focus and usually hidden creativity, evoking a sense of exploration and, eventually, a sense of achievement.
Moss art created by the exhibition’s visitors framed for the public.
For a less nature-based activity, mandala creation and meditation combine the effects of the open, circular formation seen in Japanese stone gardens with the self-expression and engagement of horticulture activities, promoting contemplation, creativity, and relaxation. The exhibition also offers paid terrarium and forest bathing workshops for those interested.
Beautiful mandala art pieces produced by some of the exhibition’s visitors.
Through this short immersive experience, visitors learn different ways to improve their well-being using the healing features of nature. More importantly, it reminds us that these urban green spaces are worth protecting and rehabilitating for both the Earth’s and our well-being.
“The important thing to understand is that a hospice is not a place where people die, but rather a place where they live – their final stage of life.”
Palliative care is a specialized form of healthcare that focuses on quality-of-life care for those with chronic, life-limiting conditions. This care most often includes counseling sessions, symptom management, movement practices, creative therapies such as music or art, as well as spiritual or emotional guidance. The facilities are designed to act as “healing spaces,” blending aesthetics with practical aspects of comfort and safety for patients, staff, and visitors.
From the micro details of color palettes and the homeliness of kitchens to the angle, size, and position of windows allowing natural light and views of the outdoors, every indoor element of these places is thoughtfully considered. However, while there is extensive literature on the restorative effects of nature on patients, less attention has been given to the quality of the natural landscape as a critical factor in the therapeutic equation.
In the following interview, we explore the importance of landscape architecture in creating therapeutic (contemplative) spaces within hospices. Our guest, Anna Artemeva, is a Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), specializing in sustainable urbanization. Originally from Russia, Anna now finds inspiration in the blend of the natural and the urban in her new home of Stockholm, Sweden.
Interview with Anna Artemeva, a landscape architect based in Sweden.
AB: To get started, could you share a brief introduction about yourself and your first steps into the world of landscape architecture, particularly with a focus on therapeutic landscapes?
AA: My name is Anna Artemeva. I’m originally from Russia, but I’ve now lived in Stockholm for about 7 years. In Russia, I studied interior design and landscape architecture. However, I primarily worked as an interior designer on public and private projects. When I moved to Sweden, I decided to shift my career focus towards landscape architecture. I was fascinated by how landscape architects create such beautiful environments here. I pursued a Master’s program in Landscape Architecture for Sustainable Urbanization at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.
AB: Can you describe a specific experience in nature that sparked your interest in landscape architecture?
AA: My life in Russia gave me two different experiences that I believe really shaped my interest in landscape architecture. I grew up in Chelyabinsk. So, I was surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Ural Mountains and the crystal-clear, incredibly beautiful lakes. However, at the same time, Chelyabinsk itself is a city with severe environmental issues, especially air pollution. It’s a big city with poor urban infrastructure.
So, there is this contrast between the natural and the urban environment. The experience of growing up with both of these worlds really pushed me to want to learn more about cities and how to build nice environment. I could feel how it affects you if you live in such a harsh city environment.
I think what initially drew me to using design to improve people’s well-being especially through nature is my experience living in Sweden and Stockholm. Stockholm is such a good example of this – a city where there’s a union between nature and the city. So, I’m really interested in understanding these processes. How it can happen, how it affects people, and how we can create these types of environments.
AB: Your thesis focused on the application of the Contemplative Landscape Model (CLM) developed by our founder, Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo, at Mellanorrlands Hospice. Why were you inspired to explore the use of landscapes for therapy in hospice care?
AA: I was drawn to hospice care because it offered a unique context and specific needs. Here, creating therapeutic landscapes wasn’t simply desirable, but of necessity. It’s not about creating fancy landscapes. They need landscapes that genuinely support their patients.
I felt connected to the philosophy of hospice care. Especially the fact that they are built to allow their guests live their life as fully as possible. I wanted to support this and this is where therapeutic landscapes came in.
Mellanorrlands Hospice during the springtime, side view. Photo Credit: Anna Artemeva.
AB: What initially drew you to study Mellanorrlands Hospice as a subject for exploring CLM?
AA: What initially drew me to Mellanorrlands Hospice and not another hospice as a subject for exploring CLM? It’s quite simple. It was the only hospice I could establish a connection with. I conducted a lot of research into the hospices here in Sweden. There are great examples in southern Sweden, but they were too far away.
Mellanorrlands Hospice was not only geographically accessible, but they were very willing to cooperate and give me the opportunity to work with a specific spot on their premises. I’m incredibly grateful for their willingness to participate. There was a moment when I thought, “Oh my God, I will probably write my thesis without a subject.” So, I’m really very thankful that they answered and were so open and kind.
AB: Could you tell me a little more about Mellanorrlands Hospice itself? How would you describe its environment (rural, urban, etc.)? Does the surrounding landscape play a role in the overall therapeutic experience, and if so, how? Who are the typical patients that receive care at the hospice? Can you profile them?
AA: Mellanorrlands hospice is located in Sundsvall, a Swedish town north of Stockholm. The hospice itself is located on the shore of Lake Sidsjön on the border between the city and a nature reserve. It is positioned in the urban area, next to a residential area with a school, a hospital, a sports club, and hotel. However, the hospice and nursing home are deliberately set apart, separated by a road and a forest. This separation helps to orient it towards the beautiful, hilly landscape of the nature reserve, offering stunning views down to the lake.
The surrounding landscape plays a large part in the therapeutic experience of patients. The hospice is designed so that all patient rooms face the natural landscape. These rooms not only offer beautiful views, but each has its own access to a common terrace with an open view of the valley. On the hospice website there is a testimonial from one of the patient’s daughter. She notes how her father cherished the view from the window, watching the ice melt and spring arrive from his bed. He watched these views daily in the last spring of his life.
“Dad’s room was fantastic, as I realized over time,” she writes. “It had a wonderful view of the lakeside. From his bed, he could watch the ice send off and spring come in for the last time.”
The important thing to understand is that a hospice is not a place where people die, but rather a place where they live out their final stage of life. The most frequent diagnosis of hospice patients at Sundsvall is cancer. In 2021, only 8% of patients were diagnosed with non-cancer. The average age of patients is 73. In 2021, the youngest patient was 41 and the oldest was 92. What we learn is, hospice patients are very diverse in age and spend anywhere from a few weeks, to months, to a whole year in care. The condition and mobility of the patients can also vary quite a lot. They can be quite independent, as well as those who need specialized cage and struggle to move without using a wheelchair or there are those who lie on a bed the whole day.
Despite the varied backgrounds and conditions, what these individuals share in common is that, with the proper medical care and anesthesia, they can and want to live their lives to the fullest.
Mellanorrlands Hospice during the springtime, front view. Photo Credit: Anna Artemeva.
AB: Can you walk me through the process of using the Contemplative Landscape Model (CLM) to design a space for hospice patients? Maybe use an example from Mellanorrlands Hospice?
AA: Let’s do it. The first step using CLM is to understand the view which specific view to focus on. In my case at Mellanorrlands Hospice, it was very easy to find this spot because there was a central area that was most usable for both patients and staff. This is where they often relax, chat, and just spend time with loved ones. So, it was definitely this point where I could work with the landscape and a very specific view.
The next step was to evaluate the existing view using the Contemplative Landscape Model guide. It’s a step-by-step guide where you answer the questions and receive a score for each element. In my case, the landscape scored well in some elements like typical and archetypal elements, a good visible and recognizable character, peace and silence, and a natural and harmonious color palette.
However, some important elements like layers of landscape, biodiversity, and land forms weren’t well represented in the landscape. This resulted in an overall average contemplative score. This meant this particular landscape couldn’t provide a good stress reduction atmosphere.
So, the last step was to develop a design proposal that addressed these weak elements and increased the overall contemplation score. Here, it was important to think about specific design solutions that were necessary for the group of users. For instance, many patients in the hospice use wheelchairs or have limited mobility. That was why my design proposal focused on creating the landscape by using trees instead of other plants. Plants placed on a lower level wouldn’t be very accessible for these people. This highlighted another interesting aspect of the CLM framework.
AB: What surprised you the most about the challenges of designing a therapeutic landscape?
AA: You know, the biggest surprise came during a discussion about my thesis. I wanted to find an approach with a strong scientific basis, ideally something that has a medicine base. My goal was to really prove that this approach could lead to design a stress-reducing environment.
Some landscape architecture professors were very skeptical that it’s possible at all to scientifically prove that an environment can be stress reducing. This led me to believe that many professors may not be very familiar with neurobiology and cognitive science. It seemed to be they were unaware that today’s research can now design experiments that clearly demonstrate how this landscape can have an effect on stress reduction.
So, this skepticism was the most surprising moment for me. Before I found the Contemplative Landscape Model, there were very few articles and papers that provided enough that can be used in cases where you need to create a very specific environment for stress reduction.
AB: In your thesis, you proposed further research to refine CLM for wider applications. Can you elaborate on some specific areas you’d like to see explored to strengthen the model?
AA: Absolutely. I’d be very interested in knowing more about the dynamics that happen in the process. So in the research papers, the practitioners creates experiments where they used a mechanism that let them see this process played out in the brain. But what I’m trying to say is that a person just comes and observes a landscape, and we don’t know what’s going on.
What if someone observes this landscape not just that day, but for weeks, months and years? Because our brains can adapt pretty well to all environments, and I believe there could be some changes that happen if a person observes a landscape over longer periods of time. So I’d like to see how that looks.
Another thing that’s very important for me as a landscape architect is to investigate if the framework that exists right now with this guide system is good enough for landscape architects to implement this method. I found that there’s a very subjective process that happens when you answer the questions.
What if I someone with a different background than myself, maybe someone who lives here and has fallen in love with this landscape, how would they answer the questions? And I observed that some questions I could have answered differently. So, it would be great to see this instrument in a more objective framework.
Mellanorrlands Hospice during the wintertime. Photo Credit: Anna Artemeva.
AB: Building on your research, what advice can you offer to landscape architects who want to design therapeutic spaces in other healthcare settings or even public areas?
AA: That’s quite a tricky question. Build on my experience, I’d say that I need more context. For instance, the specific location and the user group. But I can definitely recommend looking into the Contemplative Landscape Model. It has a really good set of questions and detailed descriptions for each element that can influence a landscape’s impact. This framework can inspire landscape architects and encourage them to develop their own questions specific to the project. They can then create better therapeutic environments, I believe.
AB: Your research highlights the connection between nature and well-being in hospice care. Can you translate this concept into actionable steps for our audience who might be interested in creating a more therapeutic outdoor space in their own homes or gardens?
AA: I’m not sure if my my experience can be directly applied in this way. Especially when we’re talking about private gardens, because one of the important elements in a stress-reducing landscape is biodiversity, and biodiversity is often combined with natural colors. But in private gardens, I believe people often prefer a more colorful environment.
So again, maybe it’s a good idea to read Neuroscientists for Design in Green Space and learn from the experiences there, and make your own experiment. Understand what kind of therapeutic garden you’d like to create, and just just to do it! Experiment! With this approach, remember that a landscape is always a process. It’s not just about the results. So, enjoy the process!
AB: During your research, how did your personal views or feelings about nature and healing evolve?
AA: I have always enjoyed being outside. I spend a lot of my free time closer to nature. Now, I realize even more that being in nature can be a tool for stress management. If I am in a stressful situation, I look for open spaces with inspiring views. I understand now how important it is to spend even more time in a calming landscape.
AB: Can you share a story about how your interactions with patients or staff at Mellanorrlands Hospice influenced your approach to the project?
AA: Absolutely. One specific interaction with a patient really stands out in my mind. During a visit, the hospice staff asked me to talk with a woman because she and her husband spoke primarily Russian and little Swedish. We had a great conversation about a lot of different things. The woman had difficulty holding her head up because she had recently had surgery. So, she was mostly resting her head on the headrest.
As we talked, I asked her where in the landscape her gaze fell most naturally. Surprisingly, she pointed to a completely different spot than the one I had identified initially. This small change in the angle of the head position really affected her relationship with the landscape and her perspective. This experience pushed me to think deeper about other unique needs and limitations people face in this period of their life.
AB: Can you elaborate on the specific “gazing point” the woman identified?
AA: In general, I was talking about the difference between a healthy person’s perception of the landscape and a person with physical limitations. In the initial design process, I analyzed the therapeutic garden through the lens of a healthy person. That is, I looked at elements for contemplating and reflecting that naturally attracted my attention, what was missing, how my gaze wandered through the landscape, where it stopped.
However, when talking to this patient who had difficulty keeping her head upright and so spent most of her time resting her head on the headrest with her head slightly tilted, I realized that her process of contemplation – how her gaze wandered across the landscape and where it lingered and stopped – was different from mine.
I haven’t had the opportunity to further fully research and develop this specific question in more detail. It was an important moment of realization. In my work, I’ve always kept in mind that the landscape should interact both with people with no mobility limitations and with people with mobility limitations. I also tried to take into account factors such as a patient’s depressive state and their experiencing an existential crisis.
From this point of view, it was encouraging to see how a contemplative landscape showed positive effects on people with depression. But internally, the question remained: what other physical changes, brought on by illness, could have a significant impact on the perception of the landscape that I hadn’t taken into account.
AB: What were some of your most significant personal challenges during this research, and how did you overcome them?
Personally, it was very challenging to write my thesis. It was my first major research paper, and I struggled to find enough people to have discussions related to my topic. Unfortunately, I didn’t find many opportunities to discuss my topic. But I use all the opportunities I get to discuss my topic with anyone open to it.
Snowy landscapes at Mellanorrlands Hospice. Photo Credit: Anna Artemeva.
AB: I am curious to hear about the reception of your research topic and final design. How did the patients, staff members, and even your teachers and fellow students react to your work on therapeutic landscapes at Mellanorrlands Hospice?
AA: There was a lot of interest amongst fellow students in the method itself. For most of them, it was entirely new, and they wanted to learn more about its use and the evidence supporting it.
The topic of the hospice center was also interesting to the teachers. Because the topic is not common, people don’t often get to work with it in depth. They hear about it, discuss it, and can really immerse themselves in the topic. It seems to me there is a common misconception: “Hospice is a place where people die”, which gives rise to certain associations.
Just a year ago, there was a situation where people opposed building a hospice in their neighborhood. I think if people realized that a hospice is a place where people live, they might be less likely to protest.
So, we had a lot of discussions with the teachers about the philosophy and specifics of palliative care, and the unique relationship between hospices and landscape design.
AB: Being at the beginning of your journey into landscape architecture, what reflections can you share about how you see the future of landscape architecture evolving, particularly in the context of therapeutic and contemplative spaces?
AA: I would definitely like to see more collaboration between landscape architecture and other fields, especially neurobiology and cognitive science. And I believe that landscape architecture can gain a lot of useful tools from these collaborations, and maybe rethink existing tools and approaches in a more efficient way.
AB: What advice would you give to communities or institutions looking to integrate therapeutic landscapes into their environments?
AA: First of all, it’s definitely important to do research and understand the needs. This means conducting thorough research to understand the specific needs and preferences of the community or institution. Consider factors such as the cultural backgrounds and even the health issues of the community.
Find the right experts to collaborate with is also very important. Landscape architects, environmental psychologists, or even other relevant experts in this field can really help build a built environment in a more efficient way.
AB: What are your next steps or future projects in this field? Are there particular aspects or techniques you wish to explore further?
AA: For me, right now, it’s very important to use my theoretical knowledge in a practical way. I’m looking forward and very excited to gain practical experience in the field.
AB: If you could create a therapeutic landscape in any location in the world, where would it be and what unique features would it have?
AA: I took this question very seriously actually. I just want to see a therapeutic landscape everywhere where it’s really needed.
AB: Which fictional character do you think would most benefit from spending time in a therapeutic landscape? Why?
AA: I shared this question with my sister and I really liked her answer. She said to change the final scene in the movie, Fight Club, where the main characters are standing and holding hands with exploding buildings in the background. So, we suggest to change this background to a therapeutic landscape. Really, I feel that it this is what we, across the world, are really seeking right now and it’s changing this whole story in such a positive way. This is our suggestion that would completely rewrite Fight Club.
AB: If you had to describe your ideal therapeutic garden using only three words, what would they be?
AA: Appropriate, attractive and therapeutic. Because if a random person came to this landscape I created and said, Oh my God, it’s so therapeutic,” then I know I’ve achieved my goal.
On 6.10.2023 upon the National Parks Board (NParks Singapore) request, Dr Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo conducted the onsite consultation and training for the NParks designers and officers regarding the use of the Contemplative Landscape Model (CLM). NParks is currently rolling out the CLM in their parks and actively using this evidence-based tool [read more here].
We’re hoping to mainstream this research and apply it to a lot more sites outside of our parks and gardens… So far, we’re still in the early stage of hand-holding, but we hope it becomes adopted and grows in the wider industry”, says Jason Wright, Director of Design at NParks.
During the session Dr Guizzo shared the practical considerations of the use of the tool in the evaluation of the newly implemented"Wellness Garden" - a part of East Coast Park in Singapore. Additionally, she has answered the doubts and addressed the considerations of NParks landscape architects team about the active use of the CLM.
This was a very fruitful exchange session where all issues could be discussed in confrontation with the actual site!
Experience the power of "Neuroscience for Designing Green Spaces: Contemplative Landscapes" - a revolutionary book by Dr. Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo. This comprehensive guide was released on May 30, 2023. It revolutionizes landscape design through an innovative approach rooted in neuroscience.
Unveiling Contemplative Landscape Design
Delve into the concept of Contemplative Landscape Design, meticulously crafted over a decade of research. Driven by neuroscience principles, this book serves as a go-to resource for landscape architects and architects seeking to effortlessly integrate mental health and well-being into their practice.
This is the first time where I put together the knowldege acumulated thoughout the years. This book contains all the nuances about design for mental health and well-being. So that landscape architects and architects can easily access and use for their practice. Before I published only peer-reviewed articles focused mostly on the mental health implications and the performed neuroscience experinents. But I am a landscape architect first, so I come back to my original field with and I hope it will be a useful tool for anyone interested in designing or benefitting from contact with natural landscapes! - says the author.
Accessing the Book
Discover "Neuroscience for Designing Green Spaces: Contemplative Landscapes" available in paperback, hardcover, and e-book formats. You can easily purchase your copy through the Taylor & Francis website or Amazon, ensuring convenient access to this groundbreaking publication.
ABSTRACT
Urban parks and gardens are where people go to reconnect with nature and destress. But do they all provide the same benefits or are some better than others? What specific attributes set some green spaces apart? Can we objectively measure their impact on mental health and well-being? If so, how do we use this evidence to guide the design of mentally healthy cities?
The Contemplative Landscape Model unveils the path to answer these questions. Rooted in landscape architecture and neuroscience, this innovative concept is described for the first time in an extended format, offering a deep dive into contemplative design and the science behind it. In the face of the global mental health crisis, and increasing disconnection from nature, design strategies for creating healthier urban environments are what our cities so sorely need.
This book delves into the neuroscience behind contemplative landscapes, their key spatial characteristics, and practical applications of the Contemplative Landscape Model through case studies from around the world. Landscape architects, urban planners, students, land managers, and anyone interested in unlocking the healing power of landscapes will find inspiration here.
"Neuroscience for Designing Green Spaces: Contemplative Landscapes" - a revolutionary book
Eascape, a new VR relaxation app created by neuroscientists and landscape architects, makes it possible to benefit from the healing power of nature without leaving home. The test version of the app has just been launched, as the whole world deals with the consequences of coronavirus waves and lockdowns. It is not a coincidence. In this difficult time creators of the app encourage us all to start looking at VR technology as an effective self-care tool, ready to reconnect us with nature and ease our minds.
An intensive work on the project started almost exactly one year ago – during the first lockdown. We wanted to better understand people's psychological needs in times of confinement, so we conducted the world-wide survey on this very topic. What we have learned was very striking, although not that surprising – at least not to us – says Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo, co-founder of Eascape, then she adds: It turned out that what we, humans, miss the most in such difficult conditions is, apart from being close with relatives and friends, a deeper connection with nature. The pandemic has shown what neuroscientists and environmental psychologists have known for a long time – that being around green spaces is crucial to our mental health and cognitive processes such as memory, attention or creativity.
We need nature more than ever
If we talk about our exposure to nature the situation had been dire even before pandemic, especially in big cities. Science shows that urban, stressful and chaotic environments full of stimulation increase the risk of psychiatric disorders by 38% as compared to rural living. We work long hours in office spaces, away from green scenery, then we go home, where we often stay until the next day, too tired to go out and have at least a stroll in a nearby park. And even if we are keen to spend some relaxing time in green environments – we often simply cannot do so, since due to the urbanization and biodiversity loss processes we have no longer unlimited access to such spaces. This simply cannot be good to our well-being. We need to take action. We must be mindful of what we expose ourselves to everyday, to keep a healthy mind, help with depression and anxiety, alleviate stress, and reduce the risk of dementias – explains Nicolas Escoffier, one of the creators of Eascape.
Landscapes that ease our minds
Eascape builds on the concept of Contemplative Landscapes, an idea conceived in 2011 by Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo, as part of her scientific work in Landscape Architecture and Urban Ecology. In her research, she found that there are certain characteristics of the scenic views that can influence the human brain to improve mental health and well-being. Contemplative Landscapes should for example contain a certain landform with many layers, natural asymmetry and the depth of the view.
Being surrounded by such scenery we should be able to observe subtle phenomena such as the play of light and shade, trembling leaves or shadows growing and shrinking with the passage of the sun. What adds to contemplativeness of a landscape are also archetypal elements like a running body of water, a path, an old tree or a big stone.
The space should also carry a character of peace and silence, providing comfort and a sense of solitude. It activates our nervous system and a built-in biophilia – a state that exists in all of us since the time when we were still living in close relation with nature – says Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo.
VR experience like no other
Eascape is nothing like VR games. It differs even from other VR relaxation apps. Most of the VR apps absorb our attention completely. We have tasks to do, fantastic creatures to meet or new things to learn. All this generates the beta waves in our brain, making our mind work at top speed, and eventually causing mental fatigue. Eascape is not a gaming experience. It works in the opposite way to generate the alpha waves which are characteristic for the state of relaxation and mindfulness. On a daily basis, we have access to such state only through sleep, meditation or close contact with nature – says Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo.
The app contains full HD 3D 180° videos, recorded in a scientifically confirmed Contemplative Landscape site: Parchi di Nervi in Genoa, Italy. The user is able to hear the natural, relaxing sound of chirping birds and teleport to four locations across the lawn. The environment has been designed in a very minimalistic way, intentionally deprived of special effects or extraordinary elements. It is a place for soft fascination and gentle exploration that calms down the mind. The whole experience should feel as a pleasant mindfulness practice, available at one’s fingertips. The Eascape team recommends spending 10 min per day in Eascape for 2 weeks to see the improvements in mood. A pilot test showed 32% reduction of depressive mood after just 7 min using Eascape demo, when compared to another VR environment.
Healthy VR environments to the rescue of today’s societies
We are sure that healthy VR environments can make a huge change in the way we as society deal with mental health problems – says Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo. Desire to help those who need access to nature have brought together the Eascape team which consists of people from all around the world. Growing up, they were all observing different kinds of landscapes, learning how it can affect people's well-being. That was a huge source of inspiration.
When the world of Academia meets VR industry
Among Eascape team members there are scientists from University of Porto and National University of Singapore who specialize in Neuroscience, Environmental Psychology and Landscape Architecture. Why did they decide to go out with their expertise beyond the world of Academia and cross their paths with the VR industry? We wanted to use our knowledge and create a tool that would be accessible and helpful for everyone, especially for those who struggle with depression, anxiety, sleeplessness or burnout, as well as for elderly people who due to their health conditions often stay in isolation – says Nicolas Escoffier.
An invitation to a green peaceful change
A free version of Eascape is being launched right now on Oculus. But that is just the beginning. We dream big. We intend to conduct further research on the app, adjust it to particular groups of users and add new healthy environments based on Contemplative Landscapes from all corners of the world. But for now, we just want as many people as possible to try Eascape and be part of our green peaceful change. Our app is not about replacing nature – that’s simply impossible. But when you simply cannot access it, it is as close as it gets to the real experience – says Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo.
NeuroLandscape featured in BBC "My Perfect City" Series episode which was released on: 30 Dec 2020
New episode of the BBC World Service "My perfect city" features Dr Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo among other experts. They discuss Singapore as a city which attempts to improve residents' mental wellbeing through urban design.
Generally, people in cities are likely to experience mental health problems. This counts for about 38% more than people living outside of big cities. Urban greening and creating therapeutic gardens with contemplative features can really help. But also, promoting high amenity public spaces, physical exercise, housing security and social services are important too! These solutions can make a city more liveable but also reduce rates of disorders such as OCD, anxiety and depression.
But are these community-based, non-medical approaches enough to improve mental health among the population of the highly urbanized Singapore? Let's find out!
Listen to the end to find out if Singapore receives 3 ticks - a perfect city mark. This means that Singapore should be an example to follow by other cities!
Taking part in the podcast like this one was a great experience. Thanks to endeavours like this one we can share the knowledge from the scientists and inform the public!
Here are some other blog posts related to Singapore:
The video from the webinar is already available on! The webinar organized by the International School Grounds Alliance and the Children &Nature Network on how school grounds can be designed and used to support took place on June 23rd 2020, and featured research and design insights on how to design mentally healthy outdoor spaces for children.
Everyone interested in design for children will find a lot of inspiration in this video, in other words it's a must-see! We are very proud and grateful that NeuroLandscape could be a part of this insightful panel!
The program featured:
an introduction to the ISGA activity by Kerry Logan;
showcasing international best-practice examples, by Kathrin Schmiele;
research and design lessons from neuroscience by Dr Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo;
strategies for the design of schoolyards for students Claire Latané.
The current global outbreak of #COVID19 makes the problem of our living space and mental health more relevant than ever. Read more in our recent blog post. This is why we need new solutions and new approaches.
Please complete this 5-min, anonymous survey. If possible, share it with your family and friends, with special attention to elderly people, who (that’s our guess) could benefit from our solutions the most.
I have recently found a great piece of literature about designing urban gardens for well-being. “Restorative commons: Creating health and well-being through urban landscapes” by Campbell, Lindsay; Wiesen, Anne published in 2009 under USDA – Forest Service.
What specifically caught my attention there is the description of the case example of the Elizabeth & Nona Evans Restorative Garden in Cleveland, a winner of a design charrette. Part of this design is a Garden for Contemplation, inviting specifically the elderly and persons with disabilities
The space is easy to comprehend and inviting to first-time visitors who discover smaller
more private spaces within. This verdant, quiet garden is gracious and
welcoming. It is lush; its colors calm and serene. The design reflects
the proportion, scale, and fine detailing of the adjacent handsome
modern limestone library
It is beautifully designed with consideration of all aspects of a contemplative model. One interesting aspect is that it contains poems in Braille’s language
The height of the pool in relation to the adjacent path was carefully considered to allow visitors to see
reflections of trees and sky whether sitting or standing. Behind it a fountain flows from the top of the low wall into a basin.
I encourage everyone to have a look at this chapter, and others, that bring the best available knowledge about the landscape design for Health and Well-being!
President and Founder of NeuroLandscape. Ph.D. in Landscape Architecture and Urban Ecology, in her research she explores the relationship between the different features of the natural and built environment’s influence on human health and well-being. She has successfully incorporated neuroscience tools to investigate the changes in brainwave oscillation in people exposed to different types of scenery. She has introduced and operationalized the term contemplative landscape and proposed a quantitative assessment scale – a Contemplative Landscapes Model (CLM) – to identify most beneficial landscapes for mental health in terms of passive exposure. She is an author of “Neuroscience for Designing Green Spaces: Contemplative Landscapes”, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Urban Design and Mental Health. She is continuing her research on therapeutic landscapes under two ongoing Horizon Europe projects: GreenME and GreenInCities.
NeuroLandscape Privacy Policy
This donation page is maintained by NeuroLandscape NGO (“NeuroLandscape”, “organization”, “we”, “us” or “our”). If you would like to provide feedback regarding the donation process, please email us at: info@neurolandscape.org This privacy policy sets out the basis on which we (or third parties dealing with personal data on our behalf) collect, handle, process, store, transfer and destruct personal data. Please read this privacy policy carefully. By visiting this website you are accepting the terms of this privacy policy.
NeuroLandscape takes your online privacy seriously, and we wish to assure you that we take seriously our responsibilities in protecting and safeguarding this information and in meeting the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as amended or revised from time to time. We require that all members of staff, and any third party dealing with Personal Data on our behalf, comply fully with the terms of this privacy policy and any other instructions relating to Data protection that may be issued or updated by us from time to time.
Definition of Data Protection Terms
Data means any representation of information (including an expression of opinion) in any document, and includes any personal identifier.
Data Subject means an individual who is the subject of Personal Data.
Personal Data means any Data:
relating directly or indirectly to a living individual;
from which it is practicable for the identity of the individual to be directly or indirectly ascertained; and
in a form in which access to or Processing of the Data is practicable.
Data User means an individual who, either alone or jointly or in common with other persons, controls the collection, holding, Processing or use of Personal Data.
Data Processor means a person, whether within or outside of the RP, who processes Personal Data on our behalf and does not process the Personal Data for any of the person’s own purposes.
RP means the Republic of Poland.
Processing includes, in relation to Personal Data, amending, augmenting, deleting or rearranging the Data, whether by automated means or otherwise.
Data Protection Principles
Any Data User collecting and using Personal Data must comply with the following principles of good practice:
Personal Data must be collected for a lawful purpose directly related to a function or activity of the Data User;
Personal Data must be collected by means which are lawful and fair in the circumstances;
Personal Data must be adequate and not excessive for the purpose for which it was collected;
Personal Data must be accurate;
Personal Data must not be kept longer than necessary for the purpose for which it was collected;
Personal Data must be used only for the purpose for which it was collected;
Personal Data must be secure from any unauthorised or accidental access, Processing, erasure, loss or use;
Personal Data must not be transferred to Data Processors without contractual or other safeguards for the security of, and proper retention practices in relation to, the transferred Personal Data;
Personal Data must be accessible by the Data Subject to whom it relates; and
Data Users must maintain transparency in their practices for handling Personal Data.
Pursuant to compliance with the principles of good practice, we require that:
any Data Processor Processing Personal Data on our behalf are contractually responsible for following good Data protection practice;
any Data Processor Processing Personal Data on our behalf is appropriately trained to do so;
any Data Processor Processing Personal Data on our behalf is appropriately supervised;
any enquiries relating to the Processing of Personal Data are promptly dealt with;
appropriate methods of Processing Personal Data are clearly communicated to any Data Processor who is Processing Personal Data on our behalf;
any Data Processor maintains retention practices which ensure that Personal Data is not retained for longer than is necessary;
any Data Processor maintains adequate security measures to prevent unauthorised or accidental access, Processing, erasure, loss or use of Personal Data; and
regular reviews and audits are made of the way Personal Data is collected, stored and processed by us or on our behalf.
Collection of Personal Data
Personal Data collected by us
From time to time, we may ask you to provide us with your Personal Data in the course of your relationship with us as a donor, supporter or fundraiser. You are not obliged to provide your information to us, but if you do not, we may not be able to contact you or to process your donation, application or request. We will collect such Personal Data from you to the extent permissible under the applicable law and regulations, including the GDPR.
Typically, we collect your Personal Data in the following ways:
from your completion of donation forms;
from your completion of our donor surveys;
during our street fundraising activities;
during our fundraising telemarketing calls;
when you make a donation;
when you apply for all positions in the NeuroLandscape office;
when you enrol to our fundraising events;
when you email us your comments, feedback, opinion or suggestions;
when you register to participate in a discussion on our bulletin boards, forums or social media on our website; and/or
in the course of your establishing or maintaining a donor/supporter relationship with us.
when you subscribe to our newsletter
when you register an account for set-up of a fundraising web page for NeuroLandscape
when you update your information by post, fax, email, phone or through our website.
Personal Data that we may collect from you include:
Your name;
You mailing address;
Your email address;
Your phone number;
Your fax number,
Your gender
Your title
Your date of birth;
Your bank account information (when you make a donation).
The name of your organization
Personal Data collected from third parties
From time to time, we may engage third party service providers to conduct some of its fundraising activities on our behalf, and in doing so, to collect Personal Data of donors and/or supporters on our behalf. These activities include:
direct dialogue or street fundraising where the agent, contractor or third party service provider may invite people on the street to sign up to NeuroLandscape as donors;
telemarketing where the agent, contractor or third party service provider may take donation orders over the phone;
direct marketing by post or email where the agent, contractor or third party service provider may send direct marketing materials to individuals.
Use of Personal Data
Specific purposes will be notified to you when we collect your Personal Data. Any Processing of your Personal Data will be only for those specified purposes or for other purposes specifically permitted under the GDPR. If it becomes necessary to change the purpose(s) for which the Data is processed, we will inform you of the new purpose(s) and obtain your consent before any Processing occurs.
Typically, we collect your Personal Data for the following purposes:
to conduct fundraising activities;
to process any donations made by you;
to conduct donor surveys;
to issue receipts for your donation;
to foster communications between you and NeuroLandscape;
for any purposes in connection with any claims made by or against or otherwise involving you in respect of any fundraising activities organised or held by us including, without limitation, to make, defend, analyse, investigate, process, assess, determine or respond to such claims;
to exercise any rights we may have in connection with our fundraising activities from time to time;
to comply, where reasonably necessary, with any court orders, law, rules, regulations, codes of practice, guidelines or requests binding on us, including without limitation to make disclosures of your Personal Data to regulators, governmental bodies, tax authorities or industry recognized bodies, all of which may be within or outside the RP; and/or
for any purposes relating to the above or any other purposes in accordance with this Policy and other policies in relation to our fundraising activities as set out in any notices or other terms and conditions made available by us to you from time to time.
Transfer of Your Personal Data
Your Personal Data will not be sold or transferred to any third parties.
Cookies
Our website utilizes StatsCounter (cookies) to collect information about how our website is used. Cookies are widely used in order to provide information about users’ browsing preferences to the owners of the website. Cookies allow us to improve our website and your browsing experience. You may opt-out of cookies by disabling cookie support in your browser, but doing so may prevent our website from functioning properly (for example, banner displays may not function properly) and you may not be able to utilize fully all of the website features.
What is a Cookie? A cookie is a very small text document, which often includes an anonymous unique identifier. When you visit a website, that website’s computer asks your computer for permission to store this file in a part of your hard drive specifically designated for cookies. Each website can send its own cookie to your browser if your browser’s preferences allow it, but (to protect your privacy) your browser only permits a website to access the cookies it has already sent to you, not the cookies sent to you by other websites. A cookie cannot retrieve any other Data from your hard drive or pass on computer viruses.
The cookies we store on our websites are used to:
track the number, and type of visits to the websites and their pages, and compile anonymous, aggregated statistics on the number of users and their usage patterns, in order for us to evaluate and enhance the performance of our websites, and
personalize the content of our websites and facilitate user movement within the websites (including without limitation by storing your preferences for screen layouts and language, and remembering passwords during a session and the country you may have elected as your country of residence).
This information is not shared with any third parties.
Disabling Cookies. Browsers are usually set to accept cookies. However, if you would prefer not to receive cookies, you may opt out of being tracked by any website using StatCounter by visiting https://statcounter.com/about/set-refusal-cookie/.
To find out more about cookies, including how to see what cookies have been set and how to manage and delete them, visit www.allaboutcookies.org.
Social Media Plugins
Our website also uses social plugins of social networking sites including facebook.com (“Facebook”), twitter.com (“Twitter”), youtube.com (“Youtube”). The plugins can be identified by the websites’ logos (e.g. a white “f” on a blue tile or a “thumbs-up” icon for Facebook, or a blue bird for Twitter), or the phrase “Social Plugin”.
Because our website uses social plugins which are activated, your browser will connect to the servers of the relevant social media websites. This results in certain Data being transmitted to social media websites, in particular, your IP address, your user ID of Facebook, Twitter and Youtube if you are logged into those social media websites, and information about which websites you are visiting. This information is collected by social media websites in order to personalize and socialize your browsing experience by communicating to other social media users information about the websites you are visiting. Your information, once transmitted, will be held by each social media website in accordance with its own privacy policy. If you do not wish those social media websites to be able to associate your browsing behaviour with your social media user IDs, then please log out those social media accounts before using our website.
You can deactivate social plugins at any time by changing your browser preferences.
Accuracy of Your Personal Data
We will take all practicable steps to ensure that the Personal Data we hold is accurate and kept up-to-date. We will therefore take reasonable and appropriate steps to check the accuracy of any Personal Data at the point of collection and at regular intervals afterwards. Personal Data which is found to be inaccurate or out of date will be destroyed. Please see the “Access and Correction Requests” section below to find out how to make a correction request.
Retention of Your Personal Data
All practicable steps will be taken to ensure that your Personal Data is not kept longer than is necessary. We will therefore destroy or erase from our systems Personal Data when it is no longer required.
Security of Your Personal Data
Once we receive your Personal Data, we will make our best efforts to ensure its security on our systems and we will take all practicable and reasonable steps to protect your Personal Data from unauthorised or accidental access, processing, erasure, loss or use.
Links to other websites
Our website contains links to other websites that are not under our control, even though they may use our name or logo on their website through an agreement with us. These other websites do not necessarily follow our privacy policies, and we recommend that you read their privacy policies carefully. We cannot control, and do not accept any liability for, the content of linked sites.
Access and Correction Requests
Under and in accordance with the terms of the GDPR, you have the right to:
access your Personal Data stored with us,
erasure (right to be forgotten)
restriction of processing
data portability
rectification
object
automated individual decision-making
Requests for the access and/or correction of Personal Data held by us may be made in writing to:
Fundacja NeuroLandscape
ul Suwalska 8/78, 03-252 Warsaw, Poland or info@neurolandscape.org
This Policy shall be deemed an integral part of forms and applications you may submit to us.
Panel introducing the features of nature that help facilitate mindfulness.
