Understanding the restorative value of a coastal setting for a Mediterranean population and exploring its potential application in urban settings

Abstract

This dissertation explores how individuals’ perceptions and experiences of the coastal environment influence the cognitive restoration process. Specifically, it aims to identify which coastal qualities contribute to the environment’s restorative value, and to understand both how and why these qualities exert such an influence. Central to this study is the role of individuals’ unique profiles and the theory of affordances, which together shape the distinct ways in which the individuals perceive and interact with coastal settings. The study also considers the significance of experiential components such as one’s sense of belonging, past experience with the environment, and proximity, in determining the extent to which restorative value is evident. Finally, the research explores the potential for applying the identified restorative qualities from the coastal setting, within urban contexts, with the aim of informing the development of more experience-centred, restorative urban spaces. This research addresses the following objectives which aim, firstly to identify the specific qualities that must be present in a coastal environment for it to support cognitive restoration, and to determine how these qualities contribute to its restorative value. It further investigates whether these effects are influenced by the individual’s personal experience and sense of belonging. Secondly, the study explores whether factors such as proximity, ease of access, and the individual’s degree of place attachment affect the perceived restorative value of the coastal setting. Finally, the research seeks to determine the potential for meaningfully interpreting and applying these identified into urban settings to inform a possible adaptation into a local strategy. The methodology is divided into two parts. The first part involves conducting an online survey, distributed through local councils, targeting individuals residing within zones at varying distances from the coast and exhibiting varied levels of contact with the coastal environment. The second part consists of a ‘focus group’, incorporating fieldwork at three coastal locations. This is followed by informal discussions, at each of the locations, aimed at identifying the key environmental qualities that contribute to the participant’s perceived restorative value, and generate a narrative around participants' experiences of the space. To supplement these discussions, participants are presented with printed images of the sites and are encouraged to select the image they find most appealing. The focus groups are intended to guide the evolving development of the study by providing insight into whether the identified restorative qualities of the coastal environment could be meaningfully applied to urban contexts. The research examined how the individual’s perception of environmental qualities shape the restorative value of selected coastal sites. Findings revealed that compatibility and affordance vary, shaped by personal experience and ability. Qualities, being tangible or intangible were perceived as restorative by some, yet inhibiting by others, emphasising the importance of compatibility between individual and the environment. Preferred ‘scenes’ combined compatibility and affordance, enabling restoration through meaningful engagement with both place and others. This reinforces the importance of integrating restorative spaces for public recreation within the urban fabric. The study aligns with previous findings affirming the coastal setting’s role in supporting cognitive recovery. It identified specific environmental and experiential components that encourage individuals to seek such spaces when experiencing mental fatigue. The results underline how perceptions of restorative value rely on both the physical and emotional qualities of a place, elements that ultimately shape environmental preference.