Exploring perceived restoration, landscape perception, and place attachment in historical districts: insights from diverse visitors

Abstract

Improving the quality of the built environment to enhance people’s mental health is gaining traction across various fields, precipitating valuable actions on the wave of “Healthy China 2030” initiative. While ample studies have confirmed the benefits of interaction with natural or green spaces, the investigation into the restorative potential in urban built settings remains notably underexplored. In this study, we focused on historical districts, conducting a questionnaire survey to evaluate the restorative experiences of individuals visiting these sites. We used Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyze a conceptual model that encompasses landscape perception, place attachment, and perceived restoration, with a specific focus on detecting the mediating role of place attachment and the moderating influence of visitor groups. The results showed that landscape perception significantly influenced the perceived restoration, which contained the indirect effect pathway through place dependence and place identity, as well as the potent direct impact of landscape perception. Moreover, employing a multi-group analysis (MGA), we discerned that different visitor groups partially moderate the relationship between landscape perception, place attachment, and perceived restoration. This study validates the restorative features in historic districts and highlights the importance of cognitive-emotional bond in promoting psychological restoration.

Quantitative Research of Street Interface Morphology in Urban Historic Districts:A Case Study of West Street Historic District,Quanzhou

“…As the concept of a people-centred approach gradually takes hold,scholars are no longer confined to studying historical districts from an objective perspective.The third type explores the relationship between people and historic districts from a human perspective.Some scholars consider the relationship between historical districts and their residents from the perspective of residents' roles [44,45]. Others explore heritage tourism in historical districts from the perspective of visitors [46,47]. Some scholars study people's perceptions of historical districts [48][49][50][51][52][53].Against the backdrop of the current energy crisis and climate change, The fourth type of research addresses energy issues in historic districts, evaluating existing energy-saving measures [54,55] and exploring new methods [56,57].Quantitative research mainly focuses on constructing evaluation systems and studying the space of historic districts.…”

Comparative Study of Cultural Landscape Perception in Historic Districts from the Perspectives of Tourists and Residents

“…For example, Zhu et al found that tourists' evaluation of the cultural heritage value and authenticity of landscapes has a significant positive impact on the destination's image [4]. Li et al conducted a survey and employed structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to study the significant influence of landscape perception on restorative benefits [14]. Liu et al found that positive soundscape perception could contribute to the satisfaction degree of visiting experience [15].…”