“Designing a healing garden in Latvia using service design principles for women aged 35-64.”

Abstract

This research addresses the need for restorative environments tailored to the well-being of Latvian women aged 35–64 by developing a service design–informed conceptual healing garden plan. The primary objective is to identify this demographic's specific needs and wellness expectations, explore the principles of healing garden design within a Latvian cultural and ecological context, and apply service design methodologies to create a user-centred garden concept for a site in Engure, Latvia.

The study employs a mixed-methods approach. Initial exploratory case studies and a comprehensive literature review establish the theoretical foundations of healing gardens, including the Attention Restoration Theory and Stress Reduction Theory, and their relevance to the target group. Qualitative data is gathered through a co-design workshop with representative users and experts to understand their needs, preferences, and perceptions of restorative spaces. Quantitative and qualitative data are collected via online survey (n=229) to validate and expand upon these insights, exploring stress levels, nature engagement, and preferences for garden aesthetics and features. Thematic analysis interprets qualitative data, while descriptive statistics informs the quantitative findings.

Key findings reveal a strong preference among Latvian women for natural, unstructured garden aesthetics, coupled with a need for both private spaces for solitude and communal areas for connection. Multi-sensory elements, particularly water features and comfortable seating, are highly valued. Notably, the study identifies a potential initial discomfort with complete silence among urban dwellers, suggesting a need for a gradual introduction to tranquillity. Furthermore, participants are more inclined to engage with healing gardens through structured activities, highlighting the importance of a "garden as a service" model, given a low initial awareness of the concept.

The research demonstrates the practical application of service design principles, such as user-centredness and co-creation, in developing a culturally relevant and needs-based garden concept. The implicitly proposed user-centred design process model offers a replicable framework for future therapeutic landscape projects. The study concludes that there is a significant opportunity for healing garden services within Latvia's social service sector. Future research should focus on implementing and long-term evaluation of such gardens, exploring their impact on well-being across diverse demographics and cultural contexts, and investigating the effectiveness of specific design elements and integration within healthcare systems.