Modernization and urbanization has its share of dire consequences, mainly stress related problems which has been on rise all over the world. Intense densification has made cities devoid of open spaces. Nevertheless, the need of spaces with restorative potentials is much felt in order to mitigate the stress related problems of the urbanites. Hence, the thesis is based on understanding the role of water or water features and its qualities in fostering psychological restoration in small urban environments.
Two types of studies— onsite observation (qualitative) and preference study (quantitative) was carried out to learn the importance of water or water features in the urban environment and to find the restorative qualities of water features. The qualitative observation which was carried out in the cities of Sweden and Nepal has help identify people’s fondness for water, while the quantitative study has revealed qualitative parameters of water features which may aid restoration.
The results from both the studies indicate that water or water features in urban areas may foster restorative qualities of an environment. Hence, the knowledge reflected by the thesis can be referred as guidelines by architects, designers, planners and even policy makers to create or transform a place into a power place that supports psychological restoration which in both short and long term will benefit public health and overall wellbeing of the city dwellers
