In recent years, an increasing body of research has been compiled highlighting the healing benefits of the outdoors. Interaction with nature and social engagement have both been proven to play a role in physical and mental well-being. Landscapes help to foster these benefits by serving as the setting for interactions between humans and nature.
Research suggests that landscapes can help people suffering from trauma in three primary ways:
While it's important to provide healing spaces for those recovering from traumatic situations, the character of those spaces is equally as important. For example, the basics of color theory can be implemented to produce a calming effect. Additionally, details like seating arrangement can impact the user's perception of safety, and ambient noise allows the user to engage in meditative practices. (Committee on Temporary Shelter, 2018 & It’s True – the Sound of Nature Helps Us Relax - BSMS).
For successful design of landscapes for recovery, we identified three important considerations:
Location: Stoney Brook, New York
Date Designed / Built: 2001
Client: Paul Simon's Foundation
Designer: Andropogon
Location: Portland, Oregon
Date Designed / Built: 2011
Client: Legacy Health
Designer: Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects