What are the most effective landscape construction methods for therapeutic purposes?

Therapeutic landscapes are specifically designed for physical and mental health thus the use of natural materials is key. Natural elements like native plants, stones, wood, and water features create a multisensory experience. Lush greenery, tactile textures, and soothing sounds engage the senses, fostering a deep connection with nature—referred to as biophilia, linked to stress reduction, improved mood, and cognitive benefits. Sustainability is critical, aligning with environmental responsibility. Eco-friendly materials, water conservation, and sustainable planting practices contribute to both individual and planetary health.

In therapeutic landscapes, integrating natural materials like wood, stone, and gravel is key. Wood brings warmth and tactile comfort, ideal for seating and walkways, enhancing mental wellness. Stone, in various textures and colors, adds resilience and timelessness, especially in water features that soothe the mind with their calming sounds. Gravel's auditory stimulus promotes mindfulness. These materials not only enrich sensory experiences but are sustainable choices, reducing environmental impact and supporting ecosystem balance.

Therapeutic landscapes focus on creating environments that positively impact mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Some effective landscape construction methods for therapeutic purposes include: Nature Integration: Incorporating natural elements like water features, plants, trees, and natural materials to create a calming and serene atmosphere. Therapeutic Gardens: Including specific garden types like healing gardens, sensory gardens, or horticultural therapy spaces that encourage interaction, reflection, and engagement with nature.

For example, consider integrating these different natural materials into an accessible playground or park design. A sensory playground not only sparks children's curiosity but also fosters their overall development. Fomenting an early connection with nature is a great bonus for the little ones!

É importante deixar claro que um dos principais objetivos do paisagismo é a utilização de elementos naturais, a abordagem do paisagismo terapêutico, ao privilegiar materiais naturais, não apenas se alinha ao bem-estar humano, mas também contribui para a sustentabilidade ambiental, a escolha cuidadosa de elementos como madeira, pedra e argila não só cria ambientes esteticamente agradáveis, mas também reforça a importância de preservar e integrar a natureza em espaços construídos, promovendo um equilíbrio essencial entre o ser humano e o ambiente ao seu redor.

Water features aren't just decorative; they're essential for therapeutic landscapes. The gentle sounds they produce mask unwanted noise, fostering privacy and relaxation. The reflection of light adds visual intrigue, lifting mood and ambiance. Beyond aesthetics, water features attract wildlife, boosting biodiversity and offering chances for observation and interaction. Whether it's a budget-friendly pond or an elaborate waterfall, the versatility in constructing water features caters to various project sizes and styles, contributing significantly to the physical and mental well-being of the environment's users.

La présence de l'eau amène du mouvement dans un espace et une ouverture de la vue vers le ciel. Ces composantes sont synonymes de vie dans l'imaginaire collectif mais aussi de liberté dans des espaces parfois contraints. Par ailleurs la présence d'eau est aussi un élément essentiel au développement de la végétation et à la création d'ilots de fraîcheur.

L’eau est source de vie ! A mon sens elle devrait être sans cesse présente et en mouvement dans chaque projet de jardin thérapeutique ! La vue , le son de l’eau apaise naturellement !

It’s very crucial to design the pathways inclusive and accessible to all stakeholders. Proper materials, neat and easy to move layouts, sensory textures, avoiding unnecessary steps or gaps and taking all the safety concerns into account the pathways can be designed to provide a safe and efficient user experience in the therapeutic landscapes. Along with the same proper pauses for one to relax, feel and interact with the environment as well as other users is important. Accessible pathways should be avoiding any kind of hurdle (physical or emotional).

Afin de permettre à tous la même expérience du lieu, les cheminements doivent par défaut être accessibles à tous. Il faut éviter que les visiteurs doivent s'adapter au site ou qu'un itinéraire bis crée un sentiment d'exclusion. Au-delà du volet PMR, le parcours peut également stimuler les sens et mettre en avant les spécificités positives développées en cas de handicap.

Os jardins terapêuticos, ao serem projetados sob medida para diferentes grupos, como crianças, idosos ou veteranos, representam ambientes enriquecedores que transcendem a mera estética, a inclusão estratégica de plantas medicinais não apenas acrescenta um componente terapêutico adicional, mas também ressalta os benefícios para a saúde física e mental, vale ressaltar também que a incorporação de aromas específicos, agregam memória afetiva ampliando ainda mais as dimensões terapêuticas, proporcionando estímulos sensoriais que podem evocar lembranças positivas e promover um ambiente propício à cura e ao bem-estar emocional.

I compare this to cold water therapy. Let out a deep breath and allow the gardens beauty and smells take away the stress and anxiety of the day.

Le travail de la terre permet de se reconnecter au vivant et à sa propre corporalité. Egalement les végétaux et les matériaux sont porteurs d'une culture qui peut jouer un rôle mémoriel. Enfin, le jardinage est une activité physique douce aux résultats visibles et gratifiants.

O interessante quando se fala em jardins terapêuticos é sempre utilizar ervas e vegetações adequadas e já conhecidas na região, o que de certa forma também traz um conceito afetivo e dê pertencimento! Uma boa ideia é promover a adoção de jardins públicos para esse fim. ☘️

Being an architect, understanding the importance of therapeutic design means recognizing how crucial it is to create spaces that cater to the specific needs of people. Therapeutic gardens, with their customized features and thoughtful layouts, not only contribute to the well-being and healing of individuals but also showcase the architect's commitment to creating environments that go beyond aesthetics. This approach fosters a deeper connection between architecture and human experience,which can enhance the overall quality of life for diverse user groups.

Biophilic design brings nature into our living spaces, making them more like the outdoors. This design style complements therapeutic landscapes, offering a smooth flow between indoor and outdoor areas. It boosts well-being by providing natural light, ventilation, and views, reducing stress and fatigue. Achieved through green roofs, living walls, and natural materials, biophilic design adapts to different project sizes, creating environments that support health and comfort.

In the UK, with the implementing of the Environment Act 2021 placing a duty on developers to increase biodiversity by a minimum 10% (BNG - biodiversity net gain), there is an increasing focus on the links between nature and landscape. Ecologists are having to upskill their knowledge on landscape, and landscape architects are having to upskill their knowledge of biodiversity. Hand in hand we are going to see more nature-based solutions to landscape, key habitats being designed into scheme rather than replaced and a more naturalistic approach to landscape rather than the typical manicured / sanitised offering that has dominated landscape proposals in the past. This should foster more creativity amongst the respective disciplines.

Sensory Gardens: Sensory gardens are designed to stimulate the senses, providing opportunities for individuals to engage with nature through sight, smell, touch, and sound. Plant selections, such as fragrant flowers, textured foliage, and rustling grasses, can contribute to a sensory-rich experience. Incorporating features like wind chimes, water features, and bird feeders can also enhance the sensory experience.

Providing adequate and comfortable seating at points of interest, is often needed for therapeutic landscape. These relaxing nodes give the user the right enjoyable views as they sit and absorb the beauty of the landscape. Often these areas are shaded from inclement weather making them a place of refuge.

As human-beings, one of our most current problems is to stay synchronized in the strengthening of urbanization and landscape relations; It is possible to observe that while trying to develop urban areas, we are missing the experience of nature. The first point here should be to become aware of how important to protect the existing value of all living environments. It is precisely at this stage that the importance of landscape architects comes into play, to take these spaces an advanced level in terms of benefiting from the potential of the nature itself and developing new elements while developing strategies connecting them for public to provide healthier environments through therapeutic gardens, which cyclically satisfy each other.

A mixture of textures to traverse, and mobility challenges to overcome with ramps, steps, railing, and elevated surfaces, along with opportunity to rest, reflect and enjoy moments of idleness with views, sounds, and movement of objects and fellow participants with the goal of participatory enjoyment and sense of belonging. Many are in this spcae with therapy companions and aids, so provide an opportunity for both to enjoy the space together.

Accessible Design: Implementing universal design principles in landscape construction ensures that outdoor spaces are accessible to individuals with varying levels of mobility. Considerations include smooth and level pathways, ramps, handrails, and braille signage. This allows individuals with physical disabilities to fully engage with and benefit from the therapeutic landscape.