Windows to Wellbeing: From Nature to Fantasy

Introduction

Windows - not the software, but those glass panes we take for granted—are more than just holes in a wall. (It’s exciting stuff this week! but stick around—there’s a tech twist that could change everything).

They are our lifeline to the outside world. And now, technology might be ready to reinvent them. Windows have always been a strange paradox for architects.

On one hand you want to build a structure to protect the inhabitants from the outside environment. But once built, you want to carve openings to invite the outdoors back.

Not surprisingly though, there are very good reasons to do this.

Windows and Wellbeing

Firstly, humans require visual access to the outside world.

Not having connection to the outside world can affect people both physically and psychologically.

Windows aren’t just architectural features—they’re lifelines to the natural world, and science backs this up.

One of the most influential studies comes from Roger Ulrich in 1984, who found that hospital patients with window views of nature recovered faster and needed less pain medication compared to those in windowless rooms.

This isn’t a fluke; it’s a clue to how deeply our surroundings affect us. Views of greenery or even just daylight trigger a restorative effect, lowering stress and boosting mood—something Ulrich tied to our evolutionary preference for natural scenes.

Fast forward to more recent research, and the story gets richer. A 2016 study by Li and Sullivan showed that students with window views of nature reported less stress, more positive emotions, and better attention spans than those stuck staring at walls.

It’s not just about pretty scenery—natural light from windows regulates our circadian rhythms, improving sleep and energy levels.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare notes that access to natural elements in the built environment, like daylight and views, correlates with lower anxiety and better physical health outcomes.

Sceptics, however, will say that not all views are equal.

Looking out onto a freeway or an industrial estate isn’t exactly soothing, which is a fair point to make.

Over the course of my life, I have spent much time visiting family members in Nursing homes and in hospitals. I been to the children’s ward in a hospital.

and like most of the people reading this article I have spent time in the education system at all levels. 

I have even had experience on the inside of a prison. And before you ask, no I didn’t do time. the prison was a heritage building and they did tours after it was decommissioned.

But all these experiences really highlighted to me the lack of connection the outside world these buildings have.

Sure, they have windows and connection to the outside. but the quality of view is often severely lacking. A nursing home room that looks out onto a shrub and a Colorbond fence isn’t exactly inspiring.

Now, I understand not all facilities can have majestic views across the Swiss alps 

I might dream big, but I am a realist at heart. but surely there are ways we can improve.

Virtual Reality

But if the view can’t be fixed, that is where virtual reality steps in—not as a replacement, but as a reimagining of what a window can be.

Just like the effects windows in buildings have on the wellbeing of the occupants. The effects of Virtual Reality on persons wellbeing have also been studied.

Now, is there a correlation between VR’s wellbeing effects and those of windows connecting us to the outside? Research doesn’t directly compare them head-to-head, but there’s a clear overlap in mechanisms.

Both VR and windows leverage biophilia—our innate draw to nature.

A 2020 ScienceDirect review on virtual immersion in nature found VR nature scenes decreased negative affect and stress, much like Li and Sullivan’s 2016 findings on window views of green landscapes.

The BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care 2024 review of VR in chronic illness further supports this, showing VR nature environments reduced distress in hospitalized patients, paralleling Ulrich’s hospital window study.

The correlation isn’t perfect—VR’s immersive control can amplify effects (positive or negative) beyond a static window view, but it can also lack the multisensory reality of fresh air or birdsong.

A ScienceDirect 2020 study comparing real versus VR nature found real settings edged out slightly in mood improvement, suggesting windows might retain an edge in authenticity.

Yet, VR’s ability to transport people to idealized natural worlds—especially when physical access or windows aren’t available—mirrors the restorative intent of a window.

Think of VR as a dynamic, programmable window: it’s not just a view but an experience, potentially amplifying the wellbeing benefits when real nature isn’t an option.

the main drawback of VR however, is the physical discomfort experienced when using the hardware.

VR headsets can be clunky, and nausea is a real buzzkill for some.

But what if we ditch the headset entirely and turn the window itself into a screen?

And here is where the technological innovation fits into the built environment.

Buckle up, this might require some imagination.

Technical Innovation

What if we were to combine the benefits of VR and the benefits of a real window?

If you are Star Wars fan you will surely have seen the relatively recent series The Mandalorian.

if you have seen this show, then you will probably have seen how it was filmed.

A large percentage of the show was filmed in a studio/set they called ‘The Volume’.

Why is this significant? Because The Volume is a giant room that is entirely lined with LED screens.

The idea of this Volume was to replace the traditional ‘Green Screen’ and provide a whole new level of immersion for the viewer.

In fact, if you listen to the actors speak, it created a whole new level of immersion for them too. Allowing them to really envision themselves in these exotic worlds.

The team behind the show, only had to create the environments digitally using Unreal Engine and display it on the screens that line the space.

This technology allowed the film crews to switch up filming scenes very quickly.

Having seen this technology in action I think to myself.

Why can’t we apply it to our built environment?

Just like windows brought nature to Ulrich’s patients, these screens could beam it to anyone, anywhere.

Imagine a nursing home where the resident can have a view of the French Riviera out of their window, or a view of the town they grew up in. Think of the benefits to the residents well being.

In my vision I am not suggesting we line the walls and ceiling with LED screens. That would be impractical for the nurses and extremely expensive.

But you could utilize the windows for this. And with the new transparent television screen technologies that are coming to the market, you could potentially be able to switch between the real-world view and the artificial view.

These artificial views also don’t have to be static; you can have birds flying around or waves gently crashing on to the beach, you can transition from a sunny day to a star filled night. You can have calming views into a misty forest or a bubbling brook.

In fact, the views can be whatever your imagination wants.

Maybe a sick child wants a view out to a fantasy world with unicorns and exotic flora and fauna.

If implemented correctly, this technology could have amazing effects on the wellbeing of our most vulnerable people. and it could be customized to the individual.

You could even take this idea one step further by stimulating other senses. Using audio and scent to enhance the space.

A patient could have a beautiful view of the ocean and be able to close their eyes and hear the crashing of the waves in the distance. Take a deep breath and smell the faint scent of sea water in the fresh air.

The use cases for this technology could be many.

As cities climb skyward and as human begin to explore the universe at large, and nature fades from sight, we can’t settle for shrubs and fences.

LED windows could turn every room into a sanctuary—customized, immersive, healing. Why wait? Our wellbeing’s on the line.

Imagine as a child smiles at unicorns prancing outside her hospital room. Or a senior with dementia reliving their hometown’s golden days.

That’s the future windows could unlock.