The healing dimensions of hospital gardens: Three case studies assessing the use, therapeutic benefits and design recommendations

Most hospitals, clinics, hospices and healthcare facilities in the United States do not have the provision of a garden. The philosophy of care of most of these facilities does not include the therapeutic benefits that can be derived from contacts with the outdoor environment despite historical, anecdotal and clinical studies demonstrating the healing benefits of plants and the natural environment.; This study adapted the theoretical, anecdotal and clinical research in the arenas of therapeutic effects of plants and nature and horticultural therapy into the realm of landscape architecture to assess the need of gardens in health care facilities. A set of preliminary design guidelines were established from the review of relevant theories and research by scientists and designers. The principal user groups in a hospital setting were interviewed in three case study facilities in order to assess the pattern of use of existing gardens in these facilities and the possible therapeutic benefits experienced by the users. The preliminary design guideline elements were also tested against the existing qualities of the space in relation to the preference of the users in order to suggest a final set of design criteria for the design of a healing garden in a hospital environment. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...