Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses the breadth, depth, and multifacetedness of the topics of nature restoration through cross-disciplinary lenses, including cultural and historical perspectives, medical geography, evolutional perspectives, environmental psychology and behavioral studies, and public health. It also discusses the importance of windows in various built environments as a primary means and micro-restorative settings that provide a connection between occupants and the external world. The book explores the ascending/declining dynamics of the people–nature relationship in hospitals through an expedited review of the hospital design in modern and contemporary history. It argues that contemporary hospital design should deconstruct the condensed, mega-building blocks and introduce nature, pleasant views, and daylight through theraserialization. The book focuses on implementing therapeutic landscape-viewing patterns in the design of waiting areas and other healthcare interior spaces with seating opportunities.