Environmental influences on affect and cognition: A study of natural and commercial semi-public spaces

Research has consistently shown differences in affect and cognition after exposure to different physical environments. The time course of these emerging or fading during exploration environments is less explored, as most studies measure dependent variables only before environmental exposure. In this within-subject study, we used repeated surveys thought content throughout a 1-h nature conservatory large indoor mall. At each survey, participants reported on aspects their recent thoughts (e.g., thinking the present moment vs. future; positively negatively) state affect. Using Bayesian multi-level models, found that while visiting conservatory, were more likely report about past, positive exciting thoughts, higher feelings creativity. mall, future impulsivity. Many walk, however some evident at intermediary points, indicating importance collecting data exploration, opposed exposures. We also measured cognitive performance with dual n-back task. Results 2-back trials replicated results from prior work interacting leads improvements working-memory performance. This study furthers our understanding how are influenced by surrounding environment implications for design use public spaces.