About Research
Kate Lee is examining how vegetated ‘green’ roofs can boost the mental health of employees and improve workplace productivity. Viewing nature can improve concentration and mood, and may even boost productivity. We don’t know, however, whether viewing novel forms of city greening can promote similar benefits. Green roofs, in particular, are likely to become important sources of green views for city employees spending long hours at work and experiencing high levels of stress. My research explores the extent to which viewing green roofs can refresh our concentration, often drained through overwork, and boost mood and performance.
My research highlights important considerations for green roof construction and design: incorporating plants which people like looking at means that these green roofs are more likely to improve concentration, mood, and performance. Quantifying these benefits means that we can also determine any improvements in employee productivity. As a growing number of people live and work in cities, this has important implications for healthy workplace design and for promoting more sustainable and liveable cities.
Research Areas
Environmental Psychology, Industrial & Organizational Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Urban Horticulture, Urban Design.
Relevant Publications
Lee, K.E., Williams, K.J.H., Sargent, L.D., Williams, N.S.W., & Johnson, K.A. (2015). 40-second green roof views sustain attention: The role of micro-breaks in attention restoration. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 42, 182–189.
Lee, K.E., Williams, K.J.H., Sargent, L.D., Farrell, C., & Williams, N.S.W. (2014). Living roof preference is influenced by plant characteristics and diversity. Landscape and Urban Planning, 122, 152-159.
Conference Presentations
“Restorative views of city green roofs boost attention, and influence recovery, mood and performance“. International Congress of Applied Psychology (2014).
“Designing Highly Preferred Living Roofs: The Importance of Vegetation Characteristics and Diversity“. American Psychological Association Convention (2013).
“Social Dimensions of Living Roofs”. Green Roofs Australasia Conference (2012).
Contact
Phone: (+61) 390 356 827
Email: kate.lee@unimelb.edu.au
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