Tillämpning av evidensbaserad design vid gestaltning av två trädgårdsrum på GreveGarden

Abstract

Mental illness is rising dramatically in Sweden and accounts for as much as 46 % of all ongoing sick leave. Studies show that between 2011 and 2017, the increase due to psychiatric afflictions was 129 %, with the vast majority of cases concerning women in the public sector. In tandem with the rise in mental illness, rehabilitation methods for people with fatigue syndrome and stress-related illnesses are also increasing in the form of activities called Nature-Supported Rehabilitation. The goal is for participants to have an improved health, function and quality of life. Rehabilitation should strive to return participants to work or employment, and studies show good results.

There is a growing field of research in the subject area and studies have been able to demonstrate health-promoting effects in the interaction between man and nature. Humans have always felt good about staying in nature and nature has promoted recovery and stress reduction. Most theories have been based on evolutionary biological explanations, but in recent years have been developed by adding personal experiences and needs. Evidence-based design demonstrates good results in how a properly designed outdoor environment can support a rehabilitation garden and increase the wellbeing of participants with stress-related illnesses. In the work I present the various theories, tools and models of the research. Then I highlight the link between research and design proposals.

The purpose of the thesis is to create a design proposal for two specific garden rooms in GreveGarden's outdoor environment in line with evidence-based design (EBD). The thesis is based on literature studies, a qualitative semi-structured interview, visits on site and a SWOT analysis. In order to integrate the research into a design proposal, I have chosen to apply the tools in Nine design criteria as well as in applicable parts of nineteen evidence-based environmental criteria. The tools gave me a clear guide to the qualities of the outdoor environment based on the participant's needs and what is available and what is missing in the garden rooms. The result shows a design proposal in the form of concept sketches with associated description, plant list and suggestions for planting scallions. The result shows that it is possible to produce a design proposal for a rehabilitation activity based on evidence-based design.