COGNITIVE RESTORATION IN FOLLOWING EXPOSURE TO GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE: AN EYE-TRACKING STUDY

Abstract

Complex stimuli in urban environments often lead to cognitive fatigue in residents. As a result, there is a growing demand from residents for restorative environments. Previous research has shown that the pure natural environment in the wild can help people achieve cognitive restoration. However, little attention has been paid to cognitive restoration through exposure to green infrastructure. Based on Attention Restoration Theory (ART), this study conducted an eye-tracking experiment in a controlled laboratory environment to investigate the effects of two view types, green infrastructure and urban, on individuals’ cognitive restoration. The results show that green infrastructure has a positive effect on the cognitive functioning of the participants in the experiment. The positive effect of green infrastructure on cognitive restoration is reflected in the restoration of directed attention. Less cognitive effort is an important factor contributing to cognitive restoration. Nature-relatedness plays a vital role in the eye movement behaviour of individuals when viewing landscape pictures and in the restorative benefits of cognition.