Empirical study of landscape types, landscape elements and landscape components of the urban park promoting physiological and psychological restoration

Urban parks have been found to benefit human health and well-being. Many studies have addressed the relationship between spatial characteristics and health restoration, but little research systematically focused on specific landscape components. In this study, the effects of three landscape types, six landscape elements and various landscape components of a traditional urban park on psychophysiological activities were investigated using physiological (blood pressure, blood glucose and electroencephalography) and psychological indicators (the abbreviated Profile of Mood States and the Landscape Perceived Restorativeness Scale). The results indicated that: (1) Different landscape types led to different physiological responses and mood states; (2) The topography landscape with natural mountain forest appearance had the most restorative effect; (3) Landscape elements of water, topography and plants had significant positive effects on human perceived restorativeness; (4) Bamboo forest, poetry walls and decorative openwork windows, were ranked as the top three landscape components in terms of perceived restorativeness. These findings suggest that single-item landscape composition can be applied to evaluate perceived restorativeness, and the restorative potential of the area can be reinforced by suitable selection and configuration of landscape types, landscape elements and landscape components in future landscape design. An active intervention approach to the targeted improvement of restorative efficiency in existing urban parks can provide a feasible solution for satisfying the health recovery needs of growing populations.