Community microregeneration design for mindfulness: The effect of spatial openness（UDI）

<p dir="ltr">Purpose—The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the spatial openness of the natural environment on individuals’ environmental and mindfulness perception by using virtual reality tools, with an aim of guiding health-oriented community environmental design.</p><p dir="ltr">Design/methodology/approach—We employed two within-subject crossover studies that included four sessions: one involved environmental conditions alone, i.e., a closed scene vs. an open scene, and the other involved two environmental conditions with mindfulness meditation.

Ninety-two valid participants completed the four sessions in random order.</p><p dir="ltr">Findings—The results indicated that compared with the open scene, the closed scene not only generated a stronger sense of refuge and perceived nature connectedness but also led to more positive evaluations of the mindfulness experience, including increased awareness of interoception, interest and willingness to practice mindfulness.</p><p dir="ltr">Originality—A natural environment with enclosed spatial openness plays a significant role in supporting environmental perception and mindfulness evaluation.