Designing for mental wellness

By Dani Sheehan.

Water features can play a powerful role in outdoor spaces.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and a reminder that the environments we create can significantly impact emotional and psychological well-being. For landscape designers, this presents an opportunity – water features are natural tools for restoring calm, focus and emotional balance.  

Why water works

Water features offer a multisensory experience that soothes the nervous system. Research shows that the sound and sight of water reduces cortisol (the stress hormone), improves mood and even boosts cognitive function. Marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols coined the term “blue mind” to describe the meditative, restorative effect of being near water – an effect increasingly supported by psychological studies.

While much research is focused on the mental health benefits of green space, a growing body of evidence shows that blue space, or having access to water features like lakes, fountains and rain gardens, can be just as effective in improving wellbeing. In a study conducted in West Palm Beach, Florida, researchers found that adding thoughtful design elements along a waterfront, including seating, shade and historic photo installations, reduced visitors’ physiological stress and increased feelings of calm, curiosity and connection.

These findings support the Attention Restoration Theory, which suggests that the gentle, shifting qualities of water and time spent in nature hold our attention in a way that restores mental clarity and reduces cognitive fatigue.

Where function meets feeling

While the psychological benefits are clear, the success of a water feature depends heavily on thoughtful design. As Heritage Landscape Supply Group emphasizes, the best water features look like they belong in the landscape, not like an afterthought. Consider natural slopes to enhance flow, add depth and create a more organic look.

Placement matters too. Avoid areas prone to flooding or debris buildup, and don’t install under trees that shed heavily. Instead, look for spots that provide visibility from common gathering areas and allow for adequate sunlight – roughly four to six hours a day – to support water clarity and aquatic plant health.

Aesthetic appeal, emotional impact

Adding a bubbling fountain near an office courtyard or installing a cascading stream tucked into a backyard patio can elevate the entire landscape. Flowing water not only masks traffic noise, but it also attracts birds and butterflies and serves as a natural humidifier.

We’re drawn to water’s movement, its shimmer and the way it invites stillness. Research supports this emotional resonance. Blue spaces are not only visually calming, but they actively encourage people to linger, explore and connect. Even modest urban water features like a fountain in a public park can invite curiosity and create a multisensory experience that lifts mood and inspires creativity. Designers refer to this as “soft fascination” — the subtle pull that helps quiet the mind and promotes emotional regulation.

Practical tips for mental health-focused water features

• Match scale to space: A tiny trickle in a sprawling yard may feel underwhelming, but a roaring waterfall in a small courtyard can be equally overpowering. Always align the feature’s scale with the space and the client’s goals.
• Prioritize clean design: Biological filtration systems and well-placed sunlight keep water clear and inviting, not murky or high maintenance.
• Consider the client’s lifestyle: Some clients may want a bold statement piece, while others simply want a soft backdrop. Understand their intentions from the start.
• Stay compliant: Check local regulations on pond depths, fencing and water use.

Designing with wellbeing in mind

Mental Health Awareness Month is a chance to showcase how intentional design can nurture the human spirit. Water features can offer beauty and healing to elevate a space, supporting your clients’ mental wellness in ways that are both subtle and profound.