Neuroscience, Environmental Psychology, Physiology
translated into well designed interiors
Science of Serenity is a wellness consultancy focused on the intersection of environmental design and human flourishing. We help individuals and organizations create spaces and routines that reduce stress, restore focus, and enhance well-being—drawing on behavioral science, biophilic design, and evidence-based wellness practices.
The Science
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![Attention Restoration Theory (ART)]()
Attention Restoration Theory (ART)
Attention Restoration Theory suggests that natural elements like plants, water, and daylight help the mind recover from mental fatigue by gently capturing our attention, allowing deeper focus to return.
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![Stress Reduction Theory (SRT)]()
Stress Reduction Theory (SRT)
Stress Reduction Theory proposes that nature exposure helps calm the body by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
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![Polyvagal Theory (PVT)]()
Polyvagal Theory (PVT)
Polyvagal Theory explains that our nervous system reacts to environmental cues of safety or threat, with calming, nature-rich settings helping activate the body’s “rest-and-digest” response and support emotional regulation.
Explore
Bringing natural systems indoors—like living green walls, built-in planters, atriums and enclosed courtyards—supports occupant wellness through three key scientific frameworks. Attention Restoration Theory (ART) shows that natural elements help the brain recover from mental fatigue. Stress Reduction Theory (SRT) explains how exposure to nature calms the body by lowering physiological stress. Polyvagal Theory adds that environments rich in gentle, nature-like cues help regulate the nervous system, fostering a sense of safety and connection. Together, these theories underscore how biophilic design restores focus, reduces stress, and supports emotional well-being.
Attention Restoration Theory (ART)
Attention Restoration Theory (ART) explains how natural environments help replenish our ability to focus after mental fatigue. When we engage with nature—or even natural elements like plants, water, and daylight—our minds shift into a mode of soft fascination, allowing our directed attention to rest and recover.
Stress Reduction Theory (SRT)
Stress Reduction Theory (SRT) suggests that exposure to natural environments can lower physiological stress by activating the body’s parasympathetic nervous system—slowing heart rate, reducing blood pressure, and promoting calm.
Polyvagal Theory (PVT)
Polyvagal Theory explains how our nervous system responds to cues of safety or threat in the environment, influencing whether we feel calm, connected, or defensive. The vagus nerve plays a key role in regulating these states, and environments rich in safety cues—like gentle movement, soft light, and natural rhythms—help activate the parasympathetic “rest-and-digest” response.
Learn
Attention Restoration Theory (ART)
Bringing natural systems indoors—through living walls, biophilic materials, natural light, or water features—harnesses this effect within built environments. These elements mimic the restorative qualities of nature, helping people regain clarity, reduce cognitive fatigue, and perform better in everyday tasks. In essence, ART gives us the science behind why nature-integrated spaces feel good and improve mental function.
Kaplan, S. (1995).
The restorative benefits of nature: Toward an integrative framework.
This seminal paper articulates the core principles of ART, proposing that natural environments facilitate recovery from mental fatigue by engaging effortless attention, or "soft fascination." Kaplan outlines four key components of restorative environments: being away, extent, fascination, and compatibility.
Berman, M. G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008).
The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature.
In this experimental study, participants who walked in a natural setting exhibited significant improvements in memory and attention tasks compared to those who walked in urban environments. The findings provide empirical support for ART by demonstrating that nature exposure can enhance cognitive functioning.
Ohly, H., White, M. P., Wheeler, B. W., Bethel, A., Ukoumunne, O. C., Nikolaou, V., & Garside, R. (2016).
Attention Restoration Theory: A systematic review of the attention restoration potential of exposure to natural environments.
This comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the evidence for ART across various studies. The authors found that exposure to natural environments had positive effects on attention restoration, particularly in tasks measuring working memory and cognitive flexibility.
Gamble, K. R., Howard, J. H., & Howard, D. V. (2014).
Not just scenery: Viewing nature pictures improves executive attention in older adults.
This study demonstrated that even brief exposure to images of natural scenes can enhance executive attention in both older and younger adults. The results suggest that visual engagement with nature, not just physical immersion, can contribute to cognitive restoration.
Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S. (1989).
The experience of nature: A psychological perspective.
This foundational book introduces the concept of ART, exploring how natural environments contribute to psychological well-being. The Kaplans discuss the importance of nature in everyday settings and its role in enhancing human experience and mental restoration.
Stress Reduction Theory (SRT)
By integrating natural systems indoors—like greenery, natural light, organic textures, and flowing water—we recreate these calming cues within built spaces. These biophilic elements help people feel safe, soothed, and grounded, reducing stress responses even in high-demand environments like workplaces, clinics, or homes. SRT provides the evidence for why thoughtfully designed nature-rich interiors aren’t just beautiful—they’re biologically supportive.
Ulrich, R.S. (1984).
View through a window may influence recovery from surgery.
This landmark study demonstrated that surgical patients with views of natural landscapes recovered faster, required fewer pain medications, and had fewer postoperative complications compared to those with views of a brick wall. It provided empirical evidence for SRT, highlighting the therapeutic benefits of natural views in healthcare settings.
Ulrich, R.S. (1991).
Effects of interior design on wellness: Theory and recent scientific research.
This paper discusses how incorporating natural elements into interior design can serve as positive distractions, reducing stress and promoting wellness in healthcare environments. It emphasizes the importance of design choices in influencing patient outcomes.
Ulrich, R.S. (1993).
Biophilia, biophobia, and natural landscapes.
In this chapter, Ulrich explores the evolutionary basis for human responses to natural environments, proposing that exposure to nature elicits positive emotional and physiological responses, thereby reducing stress. This work further elaborates on the theoretical underpinnings of SRT.
Ulrich, R.S. (1999).
Effects of gardens on health outcomes: Theory and research.
This article reviews research on the health benefits of gardens in healthcare settings, concluding that access to gardens can lead to reduced stress, improved mood, and better overall health outcomes for patients, families, and staff.
Ulrich, R.S. (2002).
Health Benefits of Gardens in Hospitals.
This paper presents evidence that well-designed hospital gardens not only provide pleasant views but also contribute to stress reduction, improved clinical outcomes, and enhanced satisfaction among patients and healthcare providers.
Polyvagal Theory (PVT)
By bringing natural systems indoors—such as rustling plants, flowing water, dappled light, and warm, organic materials—we introduce signals that the body interprets as safe and soothing. These cues can downshift the nervous system from a state of hypervigilance to one of calm engagement, supporting emotional regulation, social connection, and overall well-being. Polyvagal Theory gives us the neuroscience behind why restorative interiors help people feel more at ease and more themselves.
Porges, S.W. (1995).
Orienting in a defensive world: Mammalian modifications of our evolutionary heritage. A Polyvagal Theory.
This seminal paper introduces Polyvagal Theory, proposing a hierarchical model of the autonomic nervous system based on evolutionary development. It distinguishes between the unmyelinated dorsal vagal complex and the myelinated ventral vagal complex, linking these systems to different behavioral responses to stress.
Porges, S.W. (2001).
The Polyvagal Theory: Phylogenetic substrates of a social nervous system.
This article expands on the theory by detailing the phylogenetic transitions in the autonomic nervous system that support social engagement behaviors. It emphasizes the role of the vagus nerve in facilitating social communication and emotional regulation.
Porges, S.W. (2007).
The Polyvagal Perspective.
In this comprehensive review, Porges elaborates on the implications of Polyvagal Theory for understanding the interplay between physiological states and behavior. The paper discusses how the theory informs our comprehension of stress, emotional regulation, and social behavior.
Porges, S.W. (2011).
The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation.
This book consolidates decades of research, providing an in-depth exploration of the neurophysiological underpinnings of Polyvagal Theory. It serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the theory's applications in clinical settings.
Porges, S.W. (2022).
Polyvagal Theory: A Science of Safety.
This recent publication emphasizes the importance of safety in social interactions and how the autonomic nervous system supports feelings of safety through neuroception. It discusses the broader implications of Polyvagal Theory for health, education, and social policy.
About
Services
Evidence-based Interiorscape Design+Build
Occupational Wellness Policy and Implementation
Speaking: The Roots of Biophilic Design
Locations
HQ: Bend, Oregon
Remote Office: Tigard, Oregon
Remote Office: Eugene, Oregon