In the current digital age, many people find themselves stuck indoors—a trend that became more prevalent during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual learning, working from home, and the rise of the delivery system removed almost all necessary reasons to leave the house. It also highlighted the relative inaccessibility of nature for many. Constant connection and accessibility through technology have increased mental fatigue and, in turn, reduced people’s ability to maintain focus, says Dr. Gloria Mark, a chancellor’s professor at the University of California, Irvine. These combined factors subsequently encouraged a paradigm shift in regards to outdoor living and the necessity for nature.
'Go outside and touch grass' has become less of a humorous command and more of an essential need.
Environmental psychologists claim that the solution to increasing cognition and decreasing stress can be found in nature.
Luckily, here in the Golden Isles we have the luxury of expansive nature at our fingertips. A plethora of outdoor activities encourage a connection to nature. Strangers often wave to you on the street or may invite you to play a game of beach volleyball. Anglers travel from across the world to commune, swap stories, and, of course, catch fish. From the extensive bike paths on Jekyll Island to the many golf courses, there is always something to do outdoors. These activities not only expose you to nature but also help increase social interactions and build community - both extremely beneficial to health overall. Southern charm and outdoor living integrate beautifully to boost wellness and longevity.
Extensive research has been conducted on increasing health, wellness, and longevity, much of which corresponds to accessibility to nature. Rachel and Stephen Kaplan, pioneers in environmental psychology and the Attention Restoration Theory, identify four main components that can create a restorative environment: being away, fascination, extent, and compatibility. All of these can be found in the natural experience of the Golden Isles. Simple removal from a stressful environment can fit the bill of “being away.” The moss-laden century oaks, dense foliage, and incredible architecture instill a sense of fascination. Sand-swept beaches, marshlands, and rivers invite people of all demographics to enjoy an unparalleled sense of respite. “Living on island time” is not just a bumper-sticker slogan, it's truly a lifestyle—and a beneficial one, at that.
However, it is more than historic beauty and beach picnics that encourage travel and settlement along the coast. There is intentionality behind the design of these residences and resorts that tactfully reduces subconscious stress. By crafting the built environment through a biophilic lens, landscape architects help reduce stress and boost mood, while improving cognition, creativity, and longevity. By studying the works of environmental psychologists and staying current on sustainable trends, we design environments that promote healthy landscapes and healthy people. Fortunately, throughout the Golden Isles, the key factors that promote health and wellness are ingrained in very fabric of the land. Warm summer breezes, cool ocean waves, and the active sound of nature encourage outdoor living. The sunny, lush atmosphere beckons residents and tourists alike outdoors to enjoy the natural environment. There is a quiet thoughtfulness in the crafting of outdoor space that strongly influences the users' well-being and enjoyment.
While there is an abundance of public spaces that encourage outdoor living, their benefits are also attainable on a residential scale. A few key items are integral to activating the outdoor living experience. By mimicking the natural environment with comparable stimulation through similar auditory, visual, and olfactory cues, the health benefits associated with the natural environment can be achieved right at home.
Pools are a popular hallmark for gathering and relaxation. Common water features in pools, like fountains or bubblers add an additional level of noise cancellation. Pavilions provide a secondary shaded structure that helps to reduce sun exposure but allow for an open-air experience. Firepits create intimate, ambient atmospheres that help deter insects in the summer and produce a cozy gathering space in the winter. Fragrant plant specimens further aid in providing a mental distinction from indoor to outdoor living. Intricate gardens and lush vegetation also create a sense of place and pride for many homeowners. By designing with native vegetation and installing pops of seasonal color, the residential landscape has year-round interest. Providing homeowners with a beautiful, relaxing outdoor living space will entice continual use and compound the health benefits achieved when exposed to nature. With access to a thoughtfully- designed, natural space tailored to your preferences, research shows that stress levels will be reduced, and cognitive function will improve, thus affecting longevity. Prioritizing outdoor living is an integral part of coastal life which provides immeasurable health benefits. With the help of local landscape architects, the benefits resulting from the enjoyment of nature can be attained from the comfortability of your own home.
At Land Design Associates, we recognize and revere the natural landscape. We encourage you to embrace life outside, however that looks for you. With decades of experience and specialized education focused on optimizing health and wellness through design, we possess the expertise necessary to help you achieve your goals and transform your outdoor space. To learn more about our services, visit landscapearchitectga.com.
