Evaluating the healing effects of design elements in therapeutic landscapes: A case study of Rosecrance healing garden

Abstract

This design thesis examines the potential that exists in creating therapeutic landscapes, particularly healing gardens, to improve individuals’ mental and physical health in the context of a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. There is a great deal of existing research which suggests that the environment plays an important role in one’s overall health and wellbeing. Over the last twenty years, a number of individuals have been studying the profound impact the environment can have as a means of helping individuals who are in the process of healing in settings such as hospitals and cancer care centers. Yet little research exists that examines healing gardens in the context of drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities. In addition, while a number of studies have shown that there are profound benefits to incorporating natural elements into these facilities, there is far less research to demonstrate how specific design elements achieve these benefits and enhance the healing process.

This design thesis will be comprised of 2 components: a case study and design recommendations. First, I have performed a case study of the healing garden at the Rosecrance behavioral health facility as a means of examining which landscape elements contribute most profoundly to the positive therapeutic benefits of this healing garden and what characteristics make these elements significant. Second, I will create a list of design recommendations, including guidelines, which will contribute to the existing literature available to Landscape Architects and practitioners in order to help inform the design of future facilities that provide drug and alcohol rehabilitation.