Visual representations of nature, natural objects and design elements, symbols of nature etc. can evoke positive experiences in the built environment. Over the past decades, a number of empirical studies have documented that both passive and active experiences of nature may be beneficial for human health and well-being, for example reduced stress levels and increased well-being and positive emotions and feelings.
In order to exploit the possible beneficial effects of natural building materials, there is a need for knowledge about which materials users perceive as natural. The present study investigates people’s perception of naturalness for various building materials. The study includes material samples from solid wood products, processed wood, engineered wood products, wood-based fibreboards, surface treated wood, masonry, wallpaper, tiles, metal and plastic. The study concluded that some materials such as wood and stone are perceived as natural. The degree of transformation that the material undergoes during the production process influences the perceived naturalness.
Keywords: Natural materials, focus group, building material
Authors
Nyrud A.Q.
Norwegian Institute of Wood Technology, Oslo, Norway
Bysheim K.
Norwegian Institute of Wood Technology, Oslo, Norway
Bringslimark T.
Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Plant and Environmental Sciences, Ås, Norway
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