Three conceptual models of restorative environments based on user’s restorative experience in the COVID-19 pandemic period

Abstract

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic is not just a medical phenomenon, for it impacts not only physical health but the world’s increasing psychological burden. One of the efforts that can be made to reduce this burden is visiting places than can be considered capable of supporting the restoration process. Therefore, this study aims to understand the restorative experience felt by a group of people in Indonesia towards a particular environment or place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected through an online-based cross-sectional survey from 11th September to 13 October 2020 with 261 participants. The data were then analyzed using the content analysis method, which consisted of three stages: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. The results show that there are three types of restorative environments commonly visited during the COVID-19 pandemic: Dependent Restorative Environment (D-REn), Conventional Restorative Environment (C-REn), and Enclosed Restorative Environment (E-REn). Each type of environment has a unique characteristic that cannot be found in other types. D-REn depends on routine and interaction, while C-REn heavily relies on the power of attraction, especially the value of visual appeal. On the other hand, E-REn exists because of the lack of choice, making it unpredictable and out of the box.