The Rise of ‘Blue Space’ Living: How Water Features Support Mental Wellness at Optima®

View of Optima Signature® from the Chicago River

In an increasingly urbanized world, our craving for serenity, balance, and wellness has never been more urgent. While access to green spaces—parks, gardens, and trails—has long been championed for its benefits to physical and mental health, a growing body of research is shining a light on the equally powerful concept of “blue space” living. Defined as visible water in landscapes—oceans, lakes, rivers, pools, fountains, and even rain—blue space is emerging as an essential element of well-being. At Optima®, this understanding is central to how we design our communities: with water not just as an amenity, but as an experience that nourishes the body and soothes the mind.

The Science Behind Blue Space
Studies show that being near water can reduce stress, lower heart rates, and increase feelings of calm. The sight, sound, and feel of water triggers a parasympathetic nervous system response—the part of our brain that helps us relax. Psychologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, author of Blue Mind, suggests that proximity to water can elevate mood, enhance creativity, and even improve sleep.

For residents of Optima® communities, these benefits aren’t abstract—they are woven into daily life.

Pools as Places of Presence
Every Optima® community features thoughtful aquatic design that enhances wellness and connection to the environment. At Optima Kierland Apartments®, Optima McDowell Mountain®, and Optima Lakeview®, expansive outdoor pools offer residents a tranquil escape under open skies. Optima Signature® and Optima Sonoran Village® also have outdoor pools, and further elevate the experience with elegant indoor pools designed for year-round use. And Optima Verdana® offers the best of both worlds with seamlessly integrated indoor and outdoor swimming areas. These are more than just recreational amenities—they’re restorative sanctuaries designed to nourish both body and mind.

Swimming, for instance, is a unique physical activity that combines cardio with mindfulness. The rhythmic motion and sound of water help focus the mind and reduce intrusive thoughts. For those who don’t swim, simply sitting poolside offers a sensory pause—a chance to be present and grounded.

The Power of a View
Optima® communities are often located in prime areas with visual access to lakes, rivers, or carefully landscaped water features. At Optima Signature® in Chicago, residents can gaze out toward the dynamic movement of the Chicago River, while at Optima Sonoran Village®, the intricate system of pools, fountains, and reflecting ponds creates a lush oasis in the heart of Scottsdale.

These visual touchpoints act as anchors of calm. Research from the University of Exeter found that people living within sight of blue spaces reported significantly lower levels of psychological distress. Even a framed view of water from a balcony or floor-to-ceiling window can create a restorative effect, lowering cortisol levels and offering moments of visual meditation throughout the day.

Designing for the Senses
The impact of blue space is not just visual—it’s multisensory. Optima® communities integrate cascading fountains, tranquil reflecting pools, and landscaped water elements that enhance ambient sound and thermal comfort. These features create natural white noise, masking the hum of urban life and inviting a deeper sense of retreat. Coupled with lush plantings, breeze corridors, and shaded seating areas, the result is an immersive environment that supports holistic wellness.

Blue Space, Vibrant Living
At Optima®, our philosophy is rooted in the belief that architecture should elevate everyday living. This means creating environments that are not only beautiful and functional but emotionally resonant. As the world embraces the benefits of blue space, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this movement—designing residences where water becomes a daily encounter with tranquility.

In communities that pulse with energy yet hold space for stillness, blue space living isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline. Whether it’s the hush of a morning swim, the shimmer of sunset over water, or the simple pleasure of looking out at a reflecting pool from your living room, Optima® residents experience firsthand the wellness that flows from a life lived near water.