Restorative Effects And Perception Of Nature-Themed Artworks

Restorative Effects and Perception of Nature-Themed Artworks in Indoor Environments: An Empirical Study Based on VR+EEG

Published in Frontiers in Psychology, July 2025 | Zhejiang Sci-Tech University & Tongji University, China

Using a rigorous combination of virtual reality environments, EEG brainwave monitoring, blood pressure measurement, and psychological questionnaires, this study compares the restorative effects of nature-themed artwork against other common indoor environmental conditions — including blank walls, architectural window views, natural window views, and live green plant walls. The findings have important practical implications for interior designers and biophilic practitioners working in spaces where live plants are not always feasible.

Key Findings

• Nature-themed artwork significantly reduced systolic blood pressure and increased alpha wave activity (associated with relaxation and mental recovery) in the frontal, central, and occipital brain regions — comparable in effect to a natural window view and a live green plant wall.
• Restorative evaluation scores for nature-themed artwork were significantly higher than both blank walls and architectural window views, confirming its value as a meaningful biophilic intervention.
• There were no significant differences in physiological or psychological restoration between nature-themed artwork, natural window views, and green plant walls — positioning artwork as a practical and cost-effective alternative to live nature elements.
• Positive correlations were found between alpha wave power spectral density (PSD) values and subjective restorative evaluation scores, validating the neurological basis of the restorative experience.

Future Directions

• Explore how different styles, scales, and subjects of nature-themed artwork affect restorative outcomes.
• Test in real physical environments beyond VR to confirm findings and examine long-term effects.
• Investigate whether combining nature artwork with live plants produces additive restorative benefits.

Key takeaway: When live plants or natural views aren’t possible, nature-themed artwork is a scientifically validated biophilic strategy — producing measurable physiological and psychological restoration equivalent to a green plant wall, making it a valuable tool in the designer’s toolkit.