The Nature of the View from Home

TLDR

Window viewing offers frequent, brief restorative opportunities from a distance, unlike other restorative experiences. The authors surveyed residents in six low‑rise apartment communities using verbal and visual questionnaires to assess the impact of view content. They found that natural elements in the view significantly enhanced neighborhood satisfaction and well‑being, whereas built elements only improved satisfaction, and sky or weather had no substantial effect, underscoring the importance of nature in home views.

Abstract

Depending on what is in the view, looking out the window may provide numerous opportunities for restoration. Unlike other restorative opportunities, however, window viewing is more frequent and for brief moments at a time. The setting is also experienced from afar rather than while being in it. A study conducted at six low-rise apartment communities, using a survey with both verbal and visual material, provides considerable support for the premise that having natural elements or settings in the view from the window contributes substantially to residents’ satisfaction with their neighborhood and with diverse aspects of their sense of well-being. Views of built elements, by contrast, affected satisfaction but not well-being. Views of the sky and weather did not have a substantial effect on either outcome. The potential of nature content in the view from home to contribute so significantly to satisfaction and well-being suggests clear action mandates.