Not all Blue-Spaces are Created Equal: Variables affecting restorative outcome of indoor blue-spaces-A scoping review

Abstract

The Blue-space theory suggests using water in architecture for restoration and stress reduction. Long-term stress increases the risk of mental health problems of anxiety and depression. However, not all blue spaces have the same restorative effects. This study aims to investigate the characteristic variables of restorative blue spaces through a scoping review. Papers indexed in Scopus, WoS, and Google Scholar were sought. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews were used as a review methodology. Results showed 12 variables affecting the blue space’s restorative outcome. Direct variables; size, type, colour, clarity, texture, and indirect variables; proportion, function, illumination, and geometry.

Keywords: Blue space; Mental health; Emotions; Healing spaces

eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7i20.2262