Gardens and well being

Abstract

Often early gardens embodied qualities that were restoration of the spirit and the body. As landscape design became more formalized, gardens took on new meanings and became a means of demonstrating wealth, power and control over nature. In recent times, landscape design trends have emerged as niches in such areas as ecological restoration, ornamental applications, environmental art, and therapeutic landscapes/healing gardens just to name a few. This thesis poses the question, “Why has the idea of therapeutic design reemerged as a professional niche or specialization rather than simply becoming an integral part of the designer’s ideology?” This thesis proposes the use of existing research and a user- focused approach to design to ensure a therapeutic approach to all garden design.