A Diagnostic Post-Occupancy Evaluation of the Nacadia® Therapy Garden

Abstract

The design of the Nacadia® therapy garden is based on a model for evidence-based health design in landscape architecture (EBHDL). One element of the model is a diagnostic post-occupancy evaluation (DPOE), which has not previously been fully developed. The present study develops a generic DPOE for therapy gardens, with a focus on studying the effects of the design on patients’ health outcomes. This is done in order to identify successes and failures in the design. By means of a triangulation approach, the DPOE employs a mixture of methods, and data is interpreted corroborating. The aim of the present study is to apply the DPOE to the Nacadia® therapy garden. The results of the DPOE suggest that the design of the Nacadia® therapy garden fulfills its stated aims and objectives. The overall environment of the Nacadia ® therapy garden was experienced as protective and safe, and successfully incorporated the various elements of the nature-based therapy programme. The participants encountered meaningful spaces and activities which suited their current physical and mental capabilities, and the health outcome measured by EQ-VAS (self-estimated general health) indicated a significant increase. Some design failures were identified, of which visual exposure was the most noteworthy. The DPOE model presented appears to be efficient but would nonetheless profit from being validated by other cases.

Garden Smellscape–Experiences of Plant Scents in a Nature-Based Intervention

“…These receptors are activated by volatile chemical molecules that stimulate the olfactory receptors, either orthonasally –through the nose when we smell–or retronasally , i.e., via the mouth, where the “odor molecules” are released from the food or beverage when we chew and thus contribute to multisensory flavor perception when we eat ( Albinsson et al, 2017 ; Wolfe et al, 2017 ). Natural odors, such as, e.g., Convallaria majalis L. (Liliaceae), Jasminum sambac L. (Oleaceae), Rosa x alba L. (Rosaceae), and Chrysanthemum, that have been perceived as pleasant can evoke the feeling of joy, improve mood ( Weber and Heuberger, 2008 ; Francisca et al, 2019 ) and have a calming effect on one’s mind ( Pálsdóttir et al, 2014 ; Sidenius et al, 2017 ). Olfactory properties of essential oils such as lavender, rosemary, and chamomile have been suggested to have a positive effect on mood and objective cognitive performance ( Toda and Morimoto, 2008 ; Moss et al, 2009 ), which is in line with findings suggesting the stress-reducing effects, in what is more holistically described as, e.g., “green odors” ( Fujita et al, 2010 ).…”

Keeping Promises—how to Attain the Goal of Designing Health-Supporting Urban Green Space

“…( The POE used in the current process model examines whether the design meets the original aim(s) (set in the step of Programming). There are five core evaluation points: 1) Environment, focusing on the physical conditions; 2) Experience of the environment, focusing on any possible impact of the design on the target group; 3) Operations, focusing on the use and activities in the setting; 4) Experience of operations, focusing on the impact of the nature-based use and activities on the target group; and 5) Health and well-being outcomes, focusing on how the setting facilitates a supportive environment for the intended use and activities [18] .…”

“…All the evidence was systemized in a comprehensive Program. After the construction and occupation phases, landscape architect and PhD Ulrik Sidenius made a thorough POE of the garden [18] .…”

“…Step [10][18][20]~ [23] 。例如，纳卡地亚 ® 疗愈花园为使用者带来了安全 感十足的环境体验，这里所提供的别具意义的空间和活动对身心健康 大有裨益，使用者也自述其健康水平有了显著提升 [18] 。研究者也针对欧 拓维亚 ® 健康森林进行了多项心理指标监测，其中一项结果表明，在健 康森林中漫步能够有效调节使用者的情绪。此外，使用者也认为健康 illustrating how the different layers of the triangle should be placed in the garden. Low demanding areas around the edges of the garden, and the high demanding ones in the center of the garden.…”

“…For example, clients experienced the Nacadia ® therapy garden as a protective and safe environment. They found meaningful spaces and activities which suited their current physical and mental resources, and their self-estimated general health had increased significantly [18] . One of the results from measuring a number of psychological indicators conducted in the Octovia ® health forest indicates that a walk through the health forest has a positive effect on mood.…”