The Arboretum is a full-scale out-of-doors HDLA [health design in landscape architecture] laboratory, consisting of three projects:
- Nacadia® therapy garden, where individuals suffering from stress related illnesses are offered nature-based therapy
- Octovia® health forest, where visitors are offered mentally restorative nature experiences which promote good mental health
- Move Green, where people with mobility disabilities and others are offered nature-based experiences and activities that promote mental, physical and social health
All three are designed according to the process model for evidence-based health design in landscape architecture [EBHDL].
It is an example of a salutogenic approach, which relates to the circumstances that help to maintain or promote the individual’s good health and functioning in society, despite, for example, a disability or diagnosis. This implies when designing for vulnerable target groups, where the target groups’ capabilities, strengths and resources must be considered.
Promoting people’s health goes beyond the health sector and includes landscape architects, who are essential to the implementation of SDG 3 “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages” and to SDG 11.7 emphasizing that vulnerable groups, must have access to green and public spaces.
