The restorative role of traditional architecture: psychological well-being in heritage spaces

Traditional architecture, exemplified by At-Turaif District in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, significantly enhances psychological well-being through restorative effects comparable to natural settings. A study involving 25 participants demonstrated that heritage environments promote relaxation, positive affect, and reduced stress more effectively than modern urban spaces, with large effect sizes (PRS, d = 1.35; PSS, d = 0.92). Cultural familiarity further amplified these benefits, particularly for Saudis, highlighting the role of identity and belonging in psychological restoration. The research, grounded in Attention Restoration Theory (ART) and Stress Recovery Theory (SRT), employed a within-subjects design with surveys, behavioral observations, and interviews to provide proof-of-concept evidence. These findings underscore the potential of heritage environments as urban resources for well-being, offering insights for conservation and urban planning aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

Mashary Alnaim, M., & Abdullah Alnaim, M. (2026). The restorative role of traditional architecture: psychological well-being in heritage spaces. Ain Shams Engineering Journal, 17(6), 104146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asej.2026.104146