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Designing Healing Environments: A Literature Review on the Benefits of Healing Gardens for Children in Healthcare Facilities and the Urgent Need for Policy Implementation

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  • Shereen Khatoon-Jaan Din

    (School of Arts, Francis Close Hall Campus, University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham GL50 4AZ, UK)

  • Alessio Russo

    (School of Arts, Francis Close Hall Campus, University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham GL50 4AZ, UK)

  • Jamie Liversedge

    (School of Arts, Francis Close Hall Campus, University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham GL50 4AZ, UK)

Abstract

Despite the well-known benefits of healing gardens for children in healthcare facilities, policies and guidelines for their implementation are lacking, leading to their undervaluation by policymakers. This literature review investigates the advantages of healing gardens for children’s health and wellbeing, with a focus on public-funded healthcare facilities. The review explores the definition of a healing garden, theories, the value of play, the impact on children’s development, and the environmental benefits of healing gardens. Additionally, the review presents successful examples of healing gardens in practice, while acknowledging potential arguments against them and associated risks. During the literature review, research gaps were identified, and areas for future research were also examined. Finally, this review calls for evidence-based guidelines for policymakers and designers to incorporate healing gardens into healthcare facilities, providing a comprehensive argument for their adoption and regular access for children.

Suggested Citation

  • Shereen Khatoon-Jaan Din & Alessio Russo & Jamie Liversedge, 2023. "Designing Healing Environments: A Literature Review on the Benefits of Healing Gardens for Children in Healthcare Facilities and the Urgent Need for Policy Implementation," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-20, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:12:y:2023:i:5:p:971-:d:1134017
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Patrik Grahn & Anna María Pálsdóttir & Johan Ottosson & Ingibjörg H. Jonsdottir, 2017. "Longer Nature-Based Rehabilitation May Contribute to a Faster Return to Work in Patients with Reactions to Severe Stress and/or Depression," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-17, October.
    2. Ke-Tsung Han & Li-Wen Ruan & Li-Shih Liao, 2022. "Effects of Indoor Plants on Human Functions: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-41, June.
    3. Helen Woolley & Alison Lowe, 2013. "Exploring the Relationship between Design Approach and Play Value of Outdoor Play Spaces," Landscape Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 38(1), pages 53-74, February.
    4. Maria Beatrice Andreucci & Alessio Russo & Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo, 2019. "Designing Urban Green Blue Infrastructure for Mental Health and Elderly Wellbeing," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(22), pages 1-14, November.
    5. Alessio Russo & Maria Beatrice Andreucci, 2023. "Raising Healthy Children: Promoting the Multiple Benefits of Green Open Spaces through Biophilic Design," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-21, January.
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