DESIGN 6: ASSIGNMENT 1

THERAPEUTIC
GARDEN
 THERAPEUTIC
GARDEN

DEFINITION

Therapeutic Gardens are outdoor gardens designed to meet the physical,

psychological, and social needs of park users, incorporating design principles derived
from scientific evidence. Together with therapeutic horticulture programs involving
plants and nature, visitors can experience a range of health benefits such as the relief
of mental fatigue, reduced stress, and an overall improvement in emotional well-
being.

PURPOSE

Therapeutic gardens are used to help people with chronic illness and disabilities in a
variety of settings. One of the first psychiatrists to note the positive effects of
gardening on mental health patients was Dr. Benjamin Rush, who was one of the
signers of the Declaration of Independence.Some of these benefits include
connecting with nature, social interaction, and learning new skills. Depending upon
illness or disability, horticulture therapy can help individuals to develop fine motor
skills, deeper concentration, stamina, hand-eye coordination and a sense of
independence and control. People of all skill levels can learn to grow and care for
plants, and gardens can be designed so that they are accessible to everyone.

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BEST PRACTICES
SAFETY, SECURITY PHYSICAL AND ENGAGEMENT
AND PRIVACY EMOTIONAL COMFORT WITH NATURE
The overall goal is to create an Research has shown that connection
Outdoor spaces, in particular those
environment in which people feel to nature, especially in healthcare
within healthcare facilities, serve
cared for and nurtured. When people settings, is one of the most effective
people who may be vulnerable in
are physically and emotionally forms of positive distraction. Planting,
one way or another. All aspects of
comfortable, they tend to stay in a natural materials and sounds, and
the outdoor space must ensure
garden longer and benefit more from the presence of water are some
users’ physical and emotional safety
the experience. examples of positive natural
and security.
distractions

ACCESSIBILITY POSITIVE MAINTENANCE AND

Ensuring safe and comfortable
use for all people regardless of
age or ability is essential. The
design should adhere to
Universal Design (UD) principles
as much as possible
DISTRACTION
Elements in the garden should, as
much as possible, distract users from
stress. The purpose of the garden
should be to provide a place of
natural beauty to let users get away,
both physically and emotionally, from
interior environments that may be
alien, stressful, threatening, or
intimidating.
SUSTAINABILITY
All therapeutic gardens have to be
properly maintained to function as
safe, useful and enjoyable spaces for
their target users. Damaged garden
elements such as paving or seats can
compromise users’ safety. Also,
plants that are not properly
maintained may affect the mood of
users and create a negative

EXAMPLES experience towards the garden.

BALUARTE DE
SANDIEGO
INTRAMUROS, MANILA
The Intramuros Administration is pleased to open the Baluarte de San
Diego as a healing garden for the medical frontliners of the City of
Manila. As our way of showing gratitude and support to our health
LOCAL workers, the healing garden will serve as a place of solace and
sanctuary to uplift the well-being of our modern-day heroes.

BEDOK RESERVOIR
PARK
SINGAPORE
The 1,650sqm Bedok Reservoir Park is the first therapeutic garden to be built
over a former sand quarry and to have an interactive rock garden as one of its
features. Stones and boulders have been incorporated into the garden’s
features and amenities to reflect its heritage. The garden has a pavilion that
offers visitors an unobstructed, scenic view of the reservoir and offers sheltered
INTERNATIONAL space for group activities in the future.

REFERENCES
DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR THERAPEUTIC GARDENS IN SINGAPORE NParks’ Publication. (n.d.).
https://www.nparks.gov.sg/~/media/nparks-real-content/gardens-parks-and-nature/therapeutic-
gardens/designguidelines_for_therapeuticgardens_in_sg.pdf
‌Therapeutic Gardens. (2021). National Parks Board. https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/therapeutic-gardens
‌How Therapeutic Gardens Can Help People With Disabilities. (2012). Verywell Health.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/therapeutic-gardens-1094682
‌The Baluarte de San Diego as a healing garden for the medical frontliners of the City of Manila | Lungsod ng Maynila. (2021,
January 26). Manila.gov.ph. https://manila.gov.ph/the-baluarte-de-san-diego-as-a-healing-garden-for-the-medical-frontliners-of-
the-city-of-manila/
‌Baluarte de San Diego Pictures: View Photos & Images of Baluarte de San Diego. (2022). Viewfinder | Expedia.
https://www.expedia.com/pictures/manila/intramuros/baluarte-de-san-diego.d6115130

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