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    RESEARCH

    From Evidence to Design Solution—On How to Handle Evidence in the Design Process of Sustainable, Accessible and Health-Promoting Landscapes

    The Move Green Nature Trail design process resulted in 37 evidence-based design goals and 65 tailored design solutions, covering everything from accessibility to mental restoration and social interaction​. Features like floating bridges, sensory gardens, and multi-level trails were carefully integrated to create a space that is inclusive, calming, and beneficial for physical and emotional well-being​.
    Program Types: Therapeutic
    Population Groups: Physical Disabilities
    Setting or Context: Natural Areas/Parks/Forest
    Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Increased Sense of Belonging (Reduced Isolation), Improved Physical Health, Increased Social Engagement & Skills
    Allied Profession Intersections: Physical Therapy, Landscape Design
    Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Forest/Natural Area Immersion, Mindfulness/Visualizations
    Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research
    Measurement and Evaluation: Patient-Reported Outcomes, Program Effectiveness, Longitudinal Studies
    Access: Free
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    Summary

    This study explores how landscape architects can use research and evidence to design outdoor spaces that improve health and are accessible to everyone, especially people with mobility disabilities. The authors present a four-step design model—called the Evidence-Based Health Design in Landscape Architecture (EBHDL)—which includes collecting evidence, programming (turning evidence into design goals), designing, and evaluating. They apply this model to a real-world project: the “Move Green Nature Trail” in Denmark. The trail is being developed to promote mental, physical, and social well-being for people with disabilities and to demonstrate how green spaces can support health while aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

    Using insights from interviews, field studies, workshops, and scientific literature, the team created a detailed plan for designing the trail. The plan included wide, smooth paths, resting areas with views of water, and nature features that feel safe and calming. The process showed how good design can be both inclusive and health-promoting, helping people feel less isolated and more connected to nature. The authors also stress the importance of future evaluations to see how well the design works in practice and whether it can be improved.

    Link

    Gramkow, M.C., Sidenius, U., Zhang, G., & Stigsdotter, U.K. (2021). From evidence to design solution—on how to handle evidence in the design process of sustainable, accessible and health- promoting landscapes. Sustainability, 13(6), 3249.

     

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