Stress and Space: Investigating the Use of Fractals to Reduce Stress in the Built Environment

This paper explores the relationship between psychology and architecture, and how the two intersect in the built environment. This project investigates how fractals, or forms with elements repeated at different scales, can be used to reduce stress in urban areas. The first study successfully reproduced the finding that fractal images relieve stress in an experimental setting. The second study, which is ongoing, investigates the ability of fractals to decrease perceived stress in a public transit context. If the results show that fractals are effective at stress relief, the study will add to the scientific foundation for improving the design of public spaces using fractal imagery.