RESEARCH

Designing for Wellness: Therapeutic Landscapes

This journal article focuses on therapeutic landscapes and their incorporation into healthcare facilities to promote healing and well-being for patients, staff, and visitors.
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Summary

The article “Designing for Wellness: Therapeutic Landscapes” explores the use of horticultural therapy in healthcare, highlighting its potential to aid healing and reduce stress. Alice Truax’s essay within the journal describes Castle Gardens, a rooftop garden where horticultural therapy helps formerly incarcerated individuals and community residents through gardening activities and conversations, which create a sense of community and provide psychological support.

Furthermore, the work of Dr. Howard A. Rusk, recognized as the father of rehabilitative medicine, is featured for his innovative use of gardens. Rusk utilized gardens to shift patients’ focus towards nature, thereby diverting their attention from trauma and illness. Similarly, Kenneth Helphand discusses Legacy Emanuel Medical Center’s garden in Portland, Oregon and the psychological and physical benefits the garden offers to patients, staff, and visitors. These examples illustrate the diverse ways in which horticultural therapy is being implemented to improve well-being in various healthcare settings.

Link

Helphand, K. (2019). Prescribing the outdoors: A model hospital garden. SiteLINES: A Journal Place, 15(1), 10-12.

 

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