Review of Neuroscience for Designing Green Spaces: Contemplative Landscapes

A review of Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo's 2023 book 'Neuroscience for Designing Green Spaces: Contemplative Landscapes' describes how urban green spaces can be intentionally designed to promote mental well-being by drawing on neuroscience. The book introduces the Contemplative Landscape Model, a framework that identifies seven features which enhance contemplative experiences in built environments. The reviewer, Mayse, explains why the book is a significant contribution to the field of Contemplative Studies and suggests areas for further work.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This review explores how urban green spaces can promote mental well-being through intentional design informed by neuroscience, as discussed by Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo in Neuroscience for Designing Green Spaces: Contemplative Landscapes, published in 2023. The book introduces the Contemplative Landscape Model, a framework identifying seven features that enhance contemplative experiences in built environments. Mayse discusses why the book is a significant contribution to the field of Contemplative Studies, and what more there is to be done.