FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Sky Factory
David A. Navarrete+1 641-427-1747 x213
davidn@skyfactory.com
www.SkyFactory.com

Sutter Imaging Center
California, USA

fMRI Study Finds Unique Neural Correlates in Open Sky
Compositions™ Designed to Enhance Patient Experience
April 10, 2014 –Texas Tech University’s Neuroimaging Institute’s study, Neural Correlatesof Nature Stimuli: An fMRI Study, published in the Winter 2014 issue of the peer reviewed
Health Environments Research & Design Journal (HERD) uncovered the neural pathways
involved in the perception of open sky photography used in the creation of biophilic
illusions of nature. Virtual skylights designed as illusions ofnature™ are used by leading hospitals worldwide indiagnostic and therapeutic radiology suites to mitigate
stress and anxiety, enhancing the patient experience byenlivening our innate connection to nature - biophilia.
The study examined whether there are unique patterns ofbrain activation associated with exposure to photographic
skycompositions(representingnaturestimuli)ascompared with other positive, negative, and neutral
images. The positive impact of nature images on healthoutcomes
Unique brain activations of thecerebellum were effects ofsubjects viewing Sky Factory
photographic sky compositions.
Image courtesy Texas Tech
Neuroimaging Institute.

traditionally

has

been

measuredusing

behavioral and physiological indicators. However, there isa lack of understanding of the underlying neuralmechanism that explains the positive influence.

The study generated brain maps of the neuralpathways and regions associated with subjects’ perception of Sky Factory OpenSky Compositions™’ unique imagery and compared those results with the mapped
responses of the subjects viewing imagery established as being positive, negativeor neutral.
“These studies deal with the ground-breaking application of fMRI technology inbuilding justifications for actual commercial products in a real-life context,” said
Dr. Debajyoti Pati, Rockwell Endowment Professor at the Department of Designand head of the research team at Texas Tech University.
Initial analysis of the brain maps
indicates that the photographic sky
compositions shared all of thecharacteristic neural activations ofotherpositive
images,while,additionally, activating several otherunique brain regions. Of particularinterest to the researchers were theactivations found in the cerebellum.
Sky Factory’s unique photographic sky
compositions are designed to deepen biophilicengagement.

“Brain activation of the cerebellum isoften associated with aspects of spatial
cognition, in particular the experience ofextended space, as well as imagined, or real, motion through that space,” said
neuroscientist Dr. Michael O’Boyle. “By way of speculation, it may be thatviewing Sky Factory compositions evokes a sense of expansion into or throughthis extended space,” he remarked.
The research project is spearheaded by College of Human Sciences’ researchers
Drs. Debajyoti Pati, Michael O’Boyle and Cherif Amor, who investigated theeffects of Sky Factory’s photographic sky compositions on brain activation in thefirst study, and will study the effects of the Sky Factory’s virtual skylights on
hospital patients in a second project.
Several decades of evidence-based design research indicates access to nature ornature imagery supports healing, reduces stress and anxiety, and reduces the useof pain medications in healthcare settings. Illusions of nature™ manufactured byThe Sky Factory – notably their Luminous SkyCeilings™ – have been installed inhealthcare environments around the world to alleviate stress, promote patient
relaxation, provide positive distraction and improve the patient experience.

Dr. Debajyoti Pati said that, “The best expectation out of a relaxation-inducing
positive distraction feature is diversion of one’s attention and consciousness fromthe immediate ailment and stressful environment. Neural activations in responseto the visual stimulus used in this study suggest that cognitive diversions
induced by photographic sky compositions may result in significantly different
and higher levels of positive physiological responses as compared to positiveimages in general.”“Sky Factory’s founder, Bill Witherspoon, said, “Of particular interest to us isthat this research confirms our success in introducing compositional principles
and elements into sky images that create the visual cues necessary to trigger a
profound ‘relaxation response’ – the unique physiological state that corresponds
to an expanded awareness and sense of inner peace and stability.
“This compositional artistry explains to us, at least in part, why Sky Factory sky
compositions activate areas of the brain not activated by other positive nature
images.
“We expect that additional research is likely to further link this experience ofSkyCeilings to the biophilic engagement that is reported by end-users,”
Witherspoon concluded.
About The Sky Factory
The Sky Factory, LC is a unique fine art and technology company based in Fairfield,
Iowa, USA. Founded in 2002, the company creates realistic Illusions of Nature™ - virtual
skylights and windows - that transform interior spaces. Applications include hospitals,
senior care facilities, schools, workplaces, hotels, spas, and luxury homes. Sky Factory’snew digital cinema product line features UltraHD motion and sound displayed oncommercial-grade LED monitors. For more information and a complete list ofInternational Partners, visit www.SkyFactory.com.

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