The condition of challenge : a tool for experiential design

The experience of challenge in the natural environment provides opportunities for achievement that lead to psychological growth such as increased self esteem. This inquiry addresses the potential role of environmental challenge and comfort in environments de signed to facilitate psychological growth and learning. By studying physical, psychological, and sensory experiences of challenge in a landscape, it may be possible to incorporate similar physical, psychological, and sensory experiences into man-made interventions in the same landscape strengthening the potential support for psychological growth and learning in the total experience of environment.