However, to date, researchers in this domain have had to contend with considerable limitations in measuring happiness levels as humans experience different environments 8 as well as in measuring the aesthetics of those different environments.
Experimental and survey based studies have produced a sequence of results suggesting that natural habitats are associated with greater happiness, a result usually explained with reference to the ‘biophilia hypothesis’, which suggests that evolutionary pressures have led to a human preference for a connection with nature 7. The relationship between the environment and subjective wellbeing has been the subject of an extensive scientific literature 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 as well as parliamentary briefings 6. What characteristics of such environments might be driving such an effect? Is it simply the overwhelming presence of nature, or might the beauty of these environments be crucial? If aesthetics play a key role, might this apply in built-up environments too, where policy makers, urban planners, property developers, and architects can affect the design of the places we experience, and potentially therefore our everyday happiness?
Areas of great natural beauty have long been considered to be locations in which one might hope to feel a greater sense of happiness.