ABSTRACT
The scholarly literature on contemplative landscapes is relatively sparse. On
the other hand, the pioneering work of environmental psychologists Rachel
and Stephen Kaplan, Roger S. Ulrich and others over the last 25 years is
building a body of research and theory on restorative experiences and
environments.1 A “restorative” environment provides measurable physical
and/or psychological benefit to human health. Research has demonstrated
that contact with nature, especially vegetation, has measurable restorative
effects.2 The research and theory on restorative environments provides useful
tools for examining contemplative landscapes. Do successful contemplative
landscapes have associations with restorative experiences/environments?
