Designing Therapeutic Gardens (Classroom & Synchronous e-learning)
About This Course
This course will explore important aspects of therapeutic garden design. The session will start with an introduction to the use of gardens for healing, including theories influencing its design, as well as discussion of different types of healing gardens and the populations they serve. Participants will examine design considerations such as accessibility, plantings, placemaking, programming, and other spatial and supportive aspects to be considered by specific user groups such as older adults and those with dementia, as well as other users with special needs. Attendees will also participate in a design charrette where they will be able to further explore concepts presented.
What You'll Learn
• Understand the framework for designing healing gardens
• Understand the characteristics of therapeutic gardens
• Appreciate specific users and their needs - older adults, adults with dementia, others (e.g., users with special needs)
• Other considerations – programming, design team & stakeholders
• Design charrette.
Entry Requirements
Participants with prior experience or current involvement in horticulture, landscape design, healthcare, social care, therapy, or care/well being settings will benefit from the applied and design oriented nature of this course.