Recommendations for Implementing Therapeutic Gardens to Enhance Human Well-Being

Helena Carla B. Pimentel (), Ana Paula M. de Lima and Agnieszka E. Latawiec
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Helena Carla B. Pimentel: Department of Geography and Environment, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, R. Marquês de São Vicente, 225-Gávea, Rio de Janeiro 22451-000, Brazil
Ana Paula M. de Lima: Department of Geography and Environment, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, R. Marquês de São Vicente, 225-Gávea, Rio de Janeiro 22451-000, Brazil
Agnieszka E. Latawiec: Department of Geography and Environment, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, R. Marquês de São Vicente, 225-Gávea, Rio de Janeiro 22451-000, Brazil

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 21, 1-17

Abstract: Using nature to address socio-environmental challenges has emerged as a promising alternative to improve human well-being. Therapeutic gardens are landscaped outdoor spaces in health institutions, squares, and schools developed to improve the well-being of their users. However, there are information gaps on how to implement them. This study aims to systematize information about therapeutic gardens and use it to develop recommendations for implementing these spaces. We conducted a systematic review, which included 27 studies that contained the words therapeutic gardens, design, and/or implementation. The results indicated that the topic does not have a constant number of publications. Most articles are case studies in Europe (n = 8) and published in journals about environmental and health issues (n = 25). Furthermore, most studies (n = 23) relate the implementation of therapeutic gardens to health institutions. A framework with seven stages of recommendations was developed to guide the implementation and monitoring of these gardens in different spaces. This study is expected to contribute to the development of therapeutic gardens with an interdisciplinary team, promote SDG 3 (good health and well-being), and, mainly, improve the well-being of users.

Keywords: design; guide; health; landscaping; nature; well-being; ecosystem services (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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