Authors
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Hossein Saedi
North Carolina State University
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Arthur Rice
North Carolina State University
Keywords:
Attention restoration, sustained attention, natural green elements, threshold, virtual reality (VR)
Abstract
Attention Restoration Theory indicates that sustained attention is one of the critical factors for successful cognitive functioning. This study proposes that micro-interactions with natural green elements would increase the level of attention in individuals. This study compared the results of Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) from 52 residents of a high-rise residential building. Participants were randomly assigned to experience one of the two versions as a 3D virtual reality environment of a building’s threshold design, one with and one without natural green elements. The experience was via immersive virtual reality (VR) goggles. Participants completed the SART twice. Once before experiencing the threshold to establish a baseline of attention and once after. The results indicate that those who interacted with natural green elements in the building threshold showed significant improvement in score and demonstrated less cognitive errors compared to those who interacted with a threshold with no natural green elements. We can argue that this research outcome tends to indicate that micro-interaction with natural green elements can have a significant positive effect on attention restoration and sustained attention.
Author Biographies
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Hossein Saedi, North Carolina State University
In his Ph.D. research, Hossein examines the relationship between the built environment and people’s mental health. He is particularly interested in studying the role of green elements in architecture and landscape design in recovery from mental fatigue. Recent research in those fields determines that green elements have the potential to promote the cognitive functioning of the human brain and help people to recover from attentional fatigue. However, the characteristics of the venues in which these promotions occur are still unclear. Hossein’s research helps in uncovering the design attributes involving in this process. In his research, he uses cutting-edge technology, including state-of-the-art virtual reality platforms for gaze tracking. Upon his arrival in the United States, he got involved in teaching courses in Design Thinking and Design Inquiry. Most of his recent experience was with the First-Year Students and k12 Education. In teaching those courses he proved his communication and interpersonal skills in an international setting. He was also involved in a series of research related to “How Virtual Reality Can Be Utilized in and Serves Design Disciplines.” The outcomes of his research were represented on conferences proceedings and presentations. Hossein has presented at numerous national and international conferences including the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA). He was also invited by several universities as the guest speaker to share his findings with their students. Hossein serves as the reviewer for international and national peer-reviewed journals and conferences. Hossein has several publications and now is working on his latest book “The Token of Traveling to the United States” in which he describes his journey from Tehran to the United States and all its challenges and hurdles. He has also translated a number of academic books from English to Farsi. Prior to starting his Ph.D. and Master`s Degree in the United States, he was a faculty member at the Art University of Tehran. Hossein taught a range of graduate and undergraduate studios as well as advanced graduate research seminars. Hossein is an entrepreneur. He spent closer to a decade to gain design and management experience before establishing his own firm. Hossein spent most of his time working in different Architecture and Design & Construction firms. While polishing his diverse skills he had an eye on the challenges of running a private multi-disciplinary firm. He knew from the beginning that ultimately he would start his private firm in Tehran where he was born and raised. The business is still running successfully thanks to his brother support and dedication. In the company, he took on two responsibilities concurrently. He was the Vice President and the Lead Architect. In his role as the vice president, one of Hossein`s responsibilities was to oversee the work progress and collaboration among the different departments of the company from Architecture and Landscape Architecture to Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil Engineering with over fifty full-time staff. As the licensed architect and lead designer, he led a range of design and/or build projects from museums and academic campus buildings to small residential projects and interior designs. Hossein enjoys traveling a lot and started traveling on his younger ages. He visited many different countries on different continents. When he is not traveling, in his free time, Hossein does a variety of sports from snow skiing and horse riding to tennis, swimming, and hiking. He plays different music instruments, reads books, and is the big fan of cooking.
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Arthur Rice, North Carolina State University
Professor Emeritus of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning, Past President of the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture, Past Chair of the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture Academy of Fellows. His research is in the area of design education and understanding and promoting the development of creative abilities.
He has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Oregon and he received a Master of Landscape Architecture with Distinction from the Harvard Graduate School of Design in 1978. He was awarded the Harvard Charles Eliot Traveling Fellowship upon graduation and was selected as an International Research and Exchange Board Traveling Fellow. He was one of fifty American scholars to teach and conduct research in the Soviet Union in 1979/80.
He has worked for a number of major national and international design firms and has taught at Harvard University, Tufts University, the Moscow Engineering and Building Institute, the University of Washington and North Carolina State University. He came to the College of Design in 1990 and served as head of the Department of Landscape Architecture until 2000. He has since served as Associate Dean for Graduate and International Studies, and Interim Dean of the College. He is currently the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
He has taught numerous disciplinary and interdisciplinary design studios to both beginning and advanced design students. In 2015 he received the Jackson Rigney International Service lifetime achievement award for his efforts in leading numerous study abroad and internationalization efforts at NC State University.
