Rooftop hospital gardens for physical therapy: a post-occupancy evaluation

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Design
• Environmental Psychology
• Horticultural Therapy

Background:

• Growing evidence supports nature's healing benefits in healthcare settings.
• Research is increasingly focusing on specific patient populations and therapeutic outdoor spaces.
• This study addresses rooftop hospital gardens and their role in physical rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the successes and challenges of a rooftop hospital garden.
• Assess its utility for physical therapy and patient well-being.
• Identify areas for improvement in design and management.

Main Methods:

• Post-occupancy evaluation methodology.
• Qualitative data from interviews with key stakeholders (therapist, landscape architect).
• Quantitative data from behavior mapping, staff surveys, and patient questionnaires.

Main Results:

• Discrepancies in perceived accessibility between designers/administrators and patients/staff.
• High patient satisfaction contrasted with limited staff time for garden use.
• Negative impact of poor maintenance on garden functionality and aesthetics.

Conclusions:

• Garden elements provide significant value for patients seeking respite, emphasizing evidence-based design.
• Incorporating diverse perspectives is crucial for effective facility and garden master planning.
• Continued involvement of designers and horticultural therapists is essential for optimal garden management and functionality.