Design guidelines: The relationship between well-being, universal design and landscape architecture : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Landscape Architecture at Lincoln University

Abstract

Well-being and mental health issues are becoming more and more important nowadays, especially while the world is experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic. It is well-known that natural environments have the ability to restore mental status. There are existing design guidelines to provide criteria and suggestions to guide people. These guidelines help designers promote mental health and well-being through designing therapeutic gardens and gardens in general health facilities. However, these guidelines are either too broad or too specific to apply, as there is a lack of guidelines that have been created for promoting well-being and mental health in universal public spaces. On the other hand, universal design guidelines could be applied to all kinds of design. These guidelines are seen as a basic consideration in landscape design, but there is little focus on exploring the potential of improving well-being through practising universal design. By identifying and understanding the relationship between universal design guidelines, landscape architecture and well-being, this paper will propose new frameworks for future study.