Stress is linked to a wide variety of both physical and mental ailments including anxiety, depression, heart disease, cognitive impairment and an overall compromised immune system (Mayo Clinic, 2013). Thus, reduction of stress leads to a greater sense of control, improved emotional regulation, and enhanced mental health. Engaging in stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness meditation (Kabat-Zinn, 1990) and relaxation exercises (Jacobson, 1938), not only assists in lowering stress levels but also contributes to the prevention of stress-related mental health disorders. Stress Reduction Theory (SRT), as developed by Ulrich in his seminal study (1984), demonstrates that even views of nature, whether through windows or merely in images, cultivates adaptive coping mechanisms that mitigate the physiological and psychological responses to stressors by interrupting the feedback loop of stressors to stress responses.  

Well-designed outdoor spaces encourage social interaction by providing a point of gathering for individuals to connect and form relationships within their communities (Francis, Giles-Corti, & Wood, 2012). Research by Baumeister and Leary (1995) shows that feeling connected to a community or social group provides individuals with emotional support, reduces feelings of isolation, and fosters a sense of purpose. Studies by Jetten, Haslam, and Barlow (2012) emphasize that a sense of belonging within social groups fosters a positive self-concept, reducing psychological distress and enhancing overall mental health. Elements like seating areas, communal gardens, and interactive installations encourage people to come together, share experiences, and build a shared sense of identity. The benefits of outdoor spaces extend beyond the purely social scope also facilitating a more positive relationship with the Self and providing a sense of place in the world as a whole.