Principles of design and features of therapeutic garden formation for the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with various types of illneses

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32347/tit.2024.7.2.01.06

Keywords:

therapeutic landscape, garden design, horticultural therapy, landscape function, landscape design

Abstract

Abstract. The article explores the role of therapeutic gardens as a rehabilitation tool in Ukraine, which has been in a state of full-scale war for three years. Constant stress, psychological trauma, and limited access to medical services have led to an increase in illnesses, particularly cardiovascular and oncological diseases, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Statistics indicate that chronic illnesses worsen due to stress, weakened immunity, and reduced access to medical examinations, highlighting the need for new rehabilitation methods.

The research methods include an analysis of international practices, specifically the "Enabling Garden" at Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital, and the development of recommendations for adapting such spaces in Ukraine. Key elements of therapeutic gardens have been identified: the selection of vegetation tailored to specific conditions (e.g., mint and lavender for stress relief or roses for emotional recovery), spatial solutions (winding paths for light physical activity), sensory accents (smooth materials, pleasant sounds), and water elements (small fountains for relaxation).

The research findings show that therapeutic gardens contribute to stress reduction, emotional well-being, and an accelerated rehabilitation process. Specifically, gardens for patients with cardiovascular diseases help stabilize heart rhythm, for cancer patients — support a positive perception of life, and for individuals with PTSD — create a sense of safety. A gradual integration of therapeutic gardens into the urban context is proposed, starting with small plots near hospitals or rehabilitation centers, with a perspective for systematic expansion.

 

References

REFERENCES

Analytical Portal: Slovo i Dilo. How the War Affects the Mental Health of Ukrainians. URL:https://www.slovoidilo.ua/2024/09/17/infografika/suspilstvo/yak-vijnavplyvaye-mentalne-zdorovya-ukrayincziv?utm_source=chatgpt.com

(2014). Therapeutic Landscapes Network. The Enabling Garden at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital. URL:https://healinglandscapes.org/the-enabling-garden-at-bryn-mawr-rehabhospital/

W.E. Carter School Sensory Garden. URL:https://www.db-la.com/w.e.%20carter%20school.htm

Moya, Valentina, Cedrés de Bello, Sonia. (2021). The therapeutic garden. URL:file:///C:/Users/E47D~1/AppData/Local/Temp/TheTherapeuticGarden.pdf

Andrew Foke, Angelia Sia, Cheong Li Min. (2017). Design guidelines for therapeutic gardens in Singapore. URL:https://www.nparks.gov.sg/-/media/nparks-real-content/gardens-parks-andnature/therapeutic-gardens/therapeutic-garden-in-singaporebook_forview_digital.PDF

Kosyk, O.I., & Bilonog, M.I. (2022). Fea-tures of Planning and Landscaping Thera-peutic Landscapes in Children's Hospitals. Theory and Practice of Design: Collection of Scientific Works. Landscape Gardening. Kyiv: NAU, Issue 25, pp. 228-235

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Published

2025-01-13

How to Cite

Довженко, В., & Карамелєва, М. (2025). Principles of design and features of therapeutic garden formation for the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with various types of illneses. Transfer of Innovative Technologies, 7(2), 51–56. https://doi.org/10.32347/tit.2024.7.2.01.06

Issue

Section

Construction, Architecture