VR workshop explores interactions with nature
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Published
01 May 2024
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At a recent Sustainable Cities Festival workshop hosted by the University of East London's Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability, participants were invited to delve into the intricate relationship between human emotions and the environment through an immersive VR workshop.
Led by Mr Richard Lindsay, Head of Environmental Sciences, and Research Fellow Dr Gloria Osei, from the Sustainable Research Institute (SRI), the workshop introduced their new project, Human Nature - Nature Nurture (HN I NN).
The virtual reality experience transported participants into two contrasting worlds: first, a tranquil woodland filled with dappled sunlight and birdsong, and then the bustling Reuters Plaza in Canary Wharf, surrounded by towering skyscrapers and urban sounds.
As participants explored these virtual environments, they were prompted to share their emotional responses. The SRI team documented these insights to explore how humans perceive and react to “green versus grey” infrastructure.
Dr Osei emphasised the project’s significance, saying,
It was wonderful to have opened our study to participants at the Sustainable Cities Festival. The Human Nature - Nature Nurture research investigates the connectivity between human consciousness and subconscious feelings towards nature’s nurturing aspects.”
The workshop sparked insightful discussions about the impact of the environment on human emotions and well-being. Attendees reflected on how exposure to natural versus built environments can influence mental states and can affect overall quality of life.
This event highlighted the critical role of interdisciplinary research in advancing sustainable urban development. By leveraging VR technology to explore human-nature connections, researchers and participants gained valuable insights into the profound impact of nature in our urbanised world.
Understanding the emotional impacts of urban environments is essential for fostering healthier and more resilient communities as cities continue to evolve and expand.