The Experience of Nature: A Psychological Perspective

by Rachel Kaplan, Stephen Kaplan

A study of the natural environment, people, and the relationship between them. The authors offer a research-based analysis of the vital psychological role that nature plays. They try to understand how people perceive nature and what kinds of natural environments they prefer.

Genres: Psychology, Nature, Nonfiction, Environment

Paperback

First published July 28, 1989

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephen and Rachel Kaplan present a compelling amount of data that support the psychological need for nature, near and far - in small but esthetically pleasing amounts, as well as in vast stretches. The Experience of Nature is one of the first books to compile preliminary studies on the effects of and preferences for a whole array of natural settings (from small urban parks and gardens, to wilderness). Based on their findings, they advocate for a conscious effort on the part of cities, designers, and developers to incorporate the knowledge of nature preferences and the specific restorative and psychological benefits of natural spaces, that include specific elements, into urban design. A must read for anyone remotely interested in urban planning or landscape design.

[eververdant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book presents a long career of research of the Kaplans on what was then a budding field of environmental psychology as they aim to discover why natural environments are healthy for the psyche and which characteristics of natural scenery are most appealing.

While there is a fair amount of depth and theoretical development in this text, the empirical basis for some of their theories has not held up well (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science...). However, the groundwork they laid for the field presents a good deal of thought-provoking ideas. I definitely found myself trying to analyze natural scenery in the way they presented in the book while going out on walks (why am I so drawn to bodies of water even though I have no reason to interact with them? If I didn't have all of my modern amenities and I needed resources, a body of water would be one of the most plentiful resource pools!). If you've wondered why natural scenery presents such a powerful invigorating feeling, I think it's certainly worth reading this book to get some ideas.

[Kei · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for those who want to learn more about environmental psychology and/or landscape analysis.