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Research article2021Peer reviewed

Conceptual biophilic design in landscape architecture – a design concept for natural health garden in Iceland

Pálsdóttir, Anna María; Thorpert, Petra; Gudnason, Vilmundur; Settergren, Hugo; Víkingsson, Arnór; Siggeirsdóttir, Kristín

Abstract

Through the use of an evidence-based health design landscape architecture model (EBHDL), a design concept has been developed to create a health garden located in Iceland. The conceptual structure is based on specific aspects of biophilic design, on current knowledge of nature’s positive effects on human health, on empirical studies, and on post-occupational evaluation from the Alnarp Rehabilitation Garden in Sweden and the Nacadia Therapy Garden in Denmark. The concept is being implemented at Hrafnhólar farm in Iceland and will become a valuable part of the vocational rehabilitation program managed by the Janus Rehabilitation Center. The health garden at Hrafnhólar farm will be the first of its kind in Iceland and will become an important behavioral setting for research on new vocational rehabilitation approaches worldwide.

Published in

Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture
2021, Volume: XXXI, number: 1, pages: 39-56