Color choice impacts the perception of space, and can create feelings of safety or danger. 

Cool colors like blue, green, and purple are associated with elements like water, the sky,and forests, which evoke feelings of relaxation. While greens and blues are considered cool colors, reds, oranges, and yellows are considered warm colors. Warm colors are known to elicit feelings of excitement and tend to draw attention. While businesses use warm colors to increase engagement, hospitals are known to do the opposite and are often decorated with cool colors to foster a calming atmosphere. (Dorn, 2022) 

While many studies regarding color theory and its psychological impacts are done with indoor spaces, the same principles apply in the landscape. Plants with cool colored foliage and blooms like lavender are more calming than those with bright tones like roses or poppies. 

The Committee on Temporary Shelter (2018) also dissuades designers from using darker colors. Darker colors cause a space to feel crowded and therefore less safe. In a landscape setting, the choice of hardscape materials with a neutral to lighter tone can accomplish similar goals. 

In order to promote recovery, the basics of color theory should be implemented in planting and hardscape design. 

The arrangement of furniture can directly affect perception of safety.

While seating arrangements may be a purely aesthetic choice in some landscape designs, when it pertains to recovery the designation of seating is of the utmost importance. This decision can have a direct impact on a user’s perceived level of safety, crowdedness, and even their relationship with staff. The Committee on Temporary Shelter (2018) recommends that seating be oriented so that it faces away from sheltering walls. They  mention that arranging seating so that users are face-to-face can seem confrontational, and often corner seating is more conducive to conversation. 

Additionally, the choice of seating may have a large impact. Individual seats that are able to be moved can help create opportunity for those in recovery. Small decisions like seating location can help users regain autonomy. (Committee on Temporary Shelter, 2018)

Designers may also consider the age range of the user base and provide seating more appropriately sized for children. Trauma often forces children into older roles, so giving them materials catered to their maturity level and size can allow them to readjust. (VA.gov | Veterans Affairs)

To create a safe, welcoming environment, seating should feel sheltering and provide the user with options. 

Auditory stimulation encourages contemplation.

There are many ways to create sound in a space. Whether there are physical speakers, a white noise machine, or simply birds singing, background noise has been shown to aid in the decompression process. Researchers at Brighton and Sussex Medical School studied the heart rate and brain activity of people listening to natural sounds in contrast to people listening to man-made sounds. 

“When listening to natural sounds, the brain connectivity reflected an outward-directed focus of attention; when listening to artificial sounds, the brain connectivity reflected an inward-directed focus of attention, similar to states observed in anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.” (It’s True – the Sound of Nature Helps Us Relax - BSMS)

While it may seem unnecessary to add natural sounds to the landscape, they can enhance the therapeutic qualities of a space. 

Elements as simple as the sound of water, windchimes, or wood chimes provide a meditative tone that encourages relaxation (How to Create a Healing Garden). 

Natural sounds can help redirect focus to the surroundings and decrease feelings of stress.