The Effect of Smell on Humans

1. Smells hold power over us because the nose is the direct pathway to the brain

2. Some scents released in nature (forest and bush for example) actually have strong medicinal properties:

   • Phytoncide: a substance emitted by plants and trees and has been shown to have antibacterial and stress-reducing properties

   • Geosmin: a compound found in soil is said to have antiviral properties

   • Coniferous essential oils: help fight atopic diseases, and reduces symptoms of asthma when inhaled

The Effect of Noise on Humans

1. Studies have shown that exposure to traffic, plane and train noises (whether awake or not) makes our sympathetic nervous system react – elevating heart rate, blood pressure and stress hormones.

2. Studies also show that those living near high exposure to noise had lower reading comprehension and memory, together with higher hyperactivity.

3. Strangely enough, noise actually makes places appear worse to us. We rate places with more noise as less scenic.

Conversely, the sounds of nature (in particular birdsong) have been linked with consistent improvements in mood and alertness.

The Effect of Sight on Humans

1. Studies of hospital views have found that patients with beds near views to nature often lead to better clinical outcomes.

2. Other studies of views in offices, schools and high-density housing, have linked views of nature with higher productivity, lower job stress, better academic results and less aggression.

3. Barren and busy urban views on the other hand, often have the opposite effect.

4. Early research has found that newly developed fractal visuals (e.g. screensavers) have some positive cognitive psychological and physiological effects.