Research on the restorative effects and perception of privacy driven activities in Chinese classical gardens—Case studies of three Suzhou gardens

Privacy-driven activities (PDA) in Chinese classical gardens significantly enhance emotional recovery, reduce stress, and restore attention more effectively than conventional leisure activities. A study comparing three Suzhou gardens revealed that PDA's restorative effects are influenced by five key environmental factors: spatial scale and accessibility, spatial atmosphere, activity facilities, and others. Spatial scale and accessibility were most critical for preferring privacy-oriented environments, while spatial atmosphere and activity facilities had the greatest impact on restorative outcomes. The research suggests behavioral activities mediate the relationship between environmental features and restorative effects, offering insights into designing restorative spaces that leverage PDA's potential.

Liu, H., Bin, G., Wang, X., Luo, J., & Liu, M. (2024). Research on the restorative effects and perception of privacy driven activities in Chinese classical gardens—Case studies of three Suzhou gardens. Frontiers in Public Health, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1462077