Abstract:
The principals and theories of therapeutic
landscapes are based on the benefits nature has
on a person’s health. This study will identify what
elements of nature are beneficial to a person’s
mental health. In other words, it will discuss how
the physical environment effects a person’s
perspective, the meaning that they find in nature,
and the physical effects of being immersed in
nature for a significant amount of time. This
study will also describe the elements of spiritual
landscapes and how those elements collaborate
to form environments conducive to healing.
Spiritual landscapes with therapeutic aspects
could be accessible in public residential settings as
restorative or preventive landscapes if they adhere
to the principals of therapeutic design. Based on
this idea, this study will also address how spiritual
elements can be used to combat the common
negative aspects of residential settings in urban
environments. Finally, the project will conclude with
a comprehensive landscape design for a site in
Indianapolis, Indiana.
