We conducted a comprehensive statistical and spatial analysis of an international dataset on the natural environment and wellbeing. We developed a novel index of aesthetic ratings and developed multilevel statistical and spatial models to understand the factors that correlate with people's ratings of environmental aesthetics, that is, the factors that shape people’s perceptions of the natural and built environment and what features influence how people feel about the nature environment where they live. This is important because it shapes how people interact where they live and the types of behaviors in which they engage.
Our work showed the intermediate social, ecological, and psychological processes that link the structures that exist in a person’s environment and the health-promoting behaviors that lead to good health outcomes. Our research starts to shed light on why, for example, neighborhoods with parks or schools with patios or yards might encourage adults and children to walk or run or feel better. With this understanding, we have been able to inform local programs that seek to implement systems-level structural change that promote health and well-being. We used spatial statistics to understand the structural components of a neighborhood environment that shape people’s perceptions of their environment, such as whether they think a place is beautiful, safe, and supportive. We showed that places that are attractive (high-quality architecture and landscape design, views and vistas, street furniture, and other amenities) and walkable invite people to use, enjoy, and feel safe in them and contribute to health and wellbeing.
Building on this formative work, we worked with the Barcelona Department of Education to develop a school-based intervention to make playgrounds more climate friendly – adding green and blue amenities to cool the playgrounds and buffer the physiological and emotional stress of students and teachers during the warmer months and also during extremely cold weather episodes in the winter. We conducted listening sessions at a series of public schools to gain parent, teacher, student, and administrator insights about what was needed to support healthy school climates. Greening was selected as one of the main interventions of interest. As part of REMEDHY, we designed the intervention and the evaluation framework, drawing on the lessons of WP1. Additionally, we developed a new measurement tool to assess play behavior in the newly designed natural play settings. The tool is undergoing validation studies.
We have presented the results of work to local and international audiences in Barcelona, Melbourne, and online (during COVID-19 pandemic). We have published the work in international journals and participated in a webinar about the use of public open space during the COVID-19 times. Our work has appeared in the Vanguardia newspaper and in several policy statements about engaging with outdoor natural spaces during confinement and its importance for well-being.
