maya : design
maya : design
What Is
the Landscape
Contemplative Model?
Why It Matters: Evidence-Based Benefits
Research demonstrates that landscapes with high contemplative scores (e.g., above ~4.3) trigger measurable brain responses associated with attention restoration, positive emotions, and stress reduction.MDPIneurolandscape.org
In one notable experimental study involving both healthy and clinically depressed adults, passive exposure to a Therapeutic Garden with high LCM scores resulted in significantly improved mood and distinct neuroelectric patterns—outperforming both typical green spaces and busy urban environments.
Practical Applications and Global Adoption
The LCM framework is versatile—it can be applied:
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On-site, with trained professionals assessing landscapes directly in person;
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Remotely, using photographs or videos;
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Efficiently, with minimal tools (often a clipboard, tablet, or pen and paper)neurolandscape.org+1.
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Singapore’s National Parks Board (NParks) has integrated the LCM into its “City in Nature” strategy by using the model to guide the design of therapeutic gardens across the city-state—some of which have shown measurable benefits for individuals with depression.neurolandscape.org
The concept is also explored in the book Neuroscience for Designing Green Spaces: Contemplative Landscapes, which dives deeply into the neuroscience, design elements, and case studies related to the model.
