De-stressing in Docklands

De-stressing in Docklands

Anyone who’s taken a walk around Docklands on a nice day can tell you just how relaxing the place can be.

After a busy day, a simple stroll around the waterfront can do wonders at de-stressing.

Monash University PhD student Fabian Hasna is currently researching just how effective Docklands is at helping people recover from stress and mental fatigue.

According to Mr Hasna, his study will look at how Docklands’ urban environment might be considered “restorative”.

“Restorative environments are environments or spaces that help to reduce stress or mental fatigue,” Mr Hasna said.

“I would like to understand the experience of people in urban public spaces such as open spaces and parks and I’m also interested in the public art spaces, which Docklands has a significant collection of,” Mr Hasna said.

“I would like to see people’s experiences and emotions in certain spaces and how this contributes to reduction of stress and mental fatigue.”

According to Mr Hasna, restorative environment research generally focuses on natural environments such as forests or coastlines. His study differs, by targeting an urban environment.

With a background in landscape design, Mr Hasna is interested in how urban spaces and public art can help with mental recuperation.

His research will target both residents and workers in Docklands, aged over 18.

“My target is workers and residents in Docklands, because they are the day-to-day users,” Mr Hasna said.

Mr Hasna has created an online survey and would also like to interview Docklands residents and workers face-to-face.

To take part in the online survey visit http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1735152/melbdockrestorativemap

You can volunteer to participate in a face-to-face interview by emailing Mr Hasna at [email protected]

Join Our Facebook Group