Restorative Green Spaces in displacement: Theoretical concepts of restorative landscapes and their potential application in refugee camps

Bachelor of Science Sana Jajeh, BA

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The journey of displacement is accompanied by a wide range of challenges that negatively impact the overall health and well-being, particularly mental health, which was recorded to be on a distinct level of disturbance in refugee communities compared to the general public. This research proposes recommendations to design a restorative green space to reduce stress among the displaced following Ulrich’s stress reduction theory. Drawing on multiple data collection methods, including interviews with experts and researching the existing restorative green space recommendations, particularly healing gardens in healthcare departments, the criteria for selecting the recommendations were based on the recurrence of design recommendations between healthcare departments and the outcomes of the methodology. The results depicted a high level of similarity between the qualities emphasized in a restorative landscape in healthcare departments and the qualities needed in the context of displacement. Additionally, findings suggest initiating the green space on a small scale and realizing it in phases. Furthermore, incorporating refugee camps as part of the environmental policies of encouraging biodiversity and improving environmental quality. This research argues for integrating design interventions from healthcare departments in the context of displacement and allowing the flexibility to use them based on the available resources and space in the camp.

Keywords

restorative landscape, refugee camp, healing garden, community garden, healthcare garden, stress reduction, health design

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 6. 4. 2023

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 16. 5. 2023
• Supervisor: doc. Peter Kumble, Ph.D.
• Reader: Henry William Andrew Hanson IV.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Environmental Sciences

Master programme / field:
Landscape Engineering / Landscape Planning