Restorative Characteristics of Intermediate Architectural Environments: a Pilot Study

Restorativeness is the quality of an environment that renews a person’s physical, psychological and social resources that are depleted through life’s demands (Hartig 2004). Theories of stress recovery (Ul-rich,1983-1984; Ulrich et al.1991) and attention restoration (Kaplan and Kaplan 1989; Kaplan 1995) inform restorative environments (RE) research. Literature indicates that the restorative benefits of exposure to external natural, green or landscape settings dominate RE research, with fewer studies on internal spaces. With people spending a significant proportion of time indoors, and predominantly in cities, the op-portunity of RE within buildings to provide relief of stress and attention fatigue warrants investigation.
The restorativeness potential of Intermediate Architectural Environments (IAE) is the focus of this research. These thresholds, or in-between spaces, create conditions for both prospect and refuge (Appleton 1975, 1988). Architecturally, they range from courtyards, arcades, lobbies, balconies to window-seats. IAE offer contact with the exterior and retreat to the interior, with shelter, safety and diverse controllable environmental conditions, adaptable sociability, and relaxation opportunities.
An empirical pilot study was undertaken at a cultural building in central São Paulo, which includes semi-external and semi-internal IAE of different spatial characteristics and environmental qualities, that are freely accessible to the public. Methodologically, mixed qualitative and quantitative research methods were used, including semi-structured participant interviews and building environmental data collection. Findings indicate that views, daylight and sociability were the main IAE characteristics contributing towards restorativeness.