There are three major elements of natural settings that have been identified and proven to provide opportunities for interaction with nature and act as a healing space: Greenscape, Bluescape and Animal-scape. The choice of plants in any landscape should have seasonal interest, sensory variety, play value, edible value, shade and screening qualities, and wildlife habitat value (Moore, 2002). Research shows that water is a popular play material and a strongly recommended childhood experience (Moore and Wong, 2000; Moore, 2002), and its use has proved to be beneficial across many landscapes as well. The significance of water is greater in healing gardens as it is the source of life (Moore, 2002). Animals are particularly fascinating to children and can offer powerful therapeutic effect (Myers, 1998; Moore, 2002). Consider possible habitat conditions for amphibians, insect life, and birds, such as habitat for fish, dragonflies, and damsel flies (Moore and Wong, 2000). Brush piles, fallen logs, rock piles, and other natural elements provide shelter to the wildlife (Acar, 2013).
Flexible space provides opportunities for social interaction, creating healthy attachments and a sense of connectedness, which is essential to stimulate therapeutic engagement. Ability to control the environment creates meaningful experience and helps to generate healing environments for children (Connellan et. al., 2013). Open spaces allow interaction of different age groups (Acar, 2013), and so does the location and configuration of seating (Moore, 2002). Close-knit spaces allow for retreat by oneself or in a group of few. Movable items provide choice in hands-on activities that will help to engage children and adults (Moore, 2002). This may include taking care of the edible garden or small-scale constructions, such as a garden sculpture, with recycled, low-cost materials or natural components (Acar, 2013). Similarly, integrating art in landscape can help to empower children and overcome trauma and grief (St. Thomas and Johnson, 2007).
Multi-sensory design of a landscape offers huge range of experiential choice through material, color and texture, which help emphasize sensory stimulation (Moore, 2002; Kent, 2015). Colors have powerful therapeutic effects, and children have their personal color preferences, which should be kept in mind while designing landscapes for them. Strong colors can be used in small spaces, whereas, in large, open spaces where most of the time is spent, muted colors or mood stabilizers should be used (Moore, 2002). Younger children tend to prefer distinct and warm colors (red, yellow and orange), while older children prefer prefer blue. Plant species with variation in color, fragrance and taste, various sound-producing instruments, and different textured surfaces or plants can contribute to the engagement of different senses (Moore, 2002). The layout of the spaces should give a sense of mystery and discovery which designers have achieved through use of curved pathways, level variation and vegetative buffers.
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