Designed Gardens Enhance Relaxation through Eye Movement Patterns, Study Shows

Recent research reveals that well-designed gardens can significantly promote relaxation by influencing how our eyes move while viewing. An international team of scientists examined the effects of the famous Murin-an garden in Kyoto, comparing it to a less carefully maintained garden. Their findings, published in Frontiers in Neuroscience, suggest that the specific design features of Japanese gardens encourage viewers’ eyes to shift rapidly and horizontally across different elements, which correlates with a reduction in heart rate and an improved mood.

The study involved 16 students who observed both gardens for seven minutes while their eye movements, heart rates, and moods were recorded before and after. Results showed that in the Murin-an garden, viewers’ fixation points were more dispersed, covering the entire visual field, and their gaze moved more widely and frequently. This pattern of eye movement appears to be linked to a calming effect that not only reduces stress but also enhances emotional well-being.

Researchers pointed out that the design and maintenance quality of the garden are crucial in guiding eye movements and inducing relaxation. The Murin-an garden, tailored as a viewing space observed from a specific vantage point, uses horizontal arrangements of water features, stones, trees, and pathways to direct the gaze. In contrast, the university garden's focal points are centrally located, resulting in different visual engagement.

Participants also expressed a stronger desire to revisit the Murin-an garden, noting feelings of relaxation and liking the environment more. Their physiological responses, such as decreased heart rate, further supported these subjective impressions. These insights suggest that the structured design of gardens could be utilized as a therapeutic tool, especially for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases or those experiencing stress.

While the study was limited by its short observation period and focus on students, prior research indicates that the beneficial effects of garden viewing extend across different age groups and backgrounds. The findings imply that incorporating well-designed gardens into healthcare and community settings may serve as an accessible form of mental care, promoting tranquility and emotional health in an aging society.