The restorative role of traditional architecture: psychological well-being in heritage spaces

This study examines the restorative role of traditional architecture in promoting psychological well-being, focusing on At-Turaif in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. While research in environmental psychology has emphasized nature, little is known about the impact of heritage settings on stress recovery, mood, and attention restoration. Drawing on Attention Restoration Theory (ART), Stress Recovery Theory (SRT), and Place Identity frameworks, a within-subjects design exposed 25 participants to both At-Turaif and a modern urban plaza. Data were collected through validated surveys (PRS, PANAS, PSS), behavioral observations, and short interviews. Results showed significantly higher restorativeness, more positive affect, and lower stress in At-Turaif, with large effect sizes (PRS, d = 1.35; PSS, d = 0.92). Observations confirmed greater relaxation and engagement, while interviews highlighted calmness, multisensory comfort, and cultural resonance. Cultural familiarity moderated outcomes, with Saudis reporting the strongest benefits. These findings expand ART and SRT into architectural heritage, demonstrating that traditional environments deliver measurable psychological benefits comparable to natural settings while adding cultural dimensions of identity and belonging. While based on a controlled within-subject design in a single heritage district with a modest sample size, the findings offer proof-of-concept evidence that traditional architectural environments can function as restorative settings under real-world conditions. The study suggests that heritage environments may function as evidence-informed well-being supportive urban resources, with relevance for conservation and urban planning, particularly within the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.