Nature, Health & Design

2018-03-28 Institute for Accessibility Develeopment

Researches have shown that nature is an important health resource for human being. People with mobility impairments has low access to nature due to their limited mobility ability which may decrease their getting health benefits from nature. This article present the main findings from a Danish pilot research which is part of a large research project focusing on the design and use of nature for the health promotion of people with mobility impairments. The results show that the target group has strong interests about for activities in nature and they have strong preferences about the natural elements in nature. At the same time, nature is positive for their physical health, psychological health and social health. While structural barriers, intrapersonal barriers and interpersonal barriers could restrict their using of nature. By providing better accessibility in nature with accessible paths, handicapped friendly facilities as well as clear and updated site information are supposed to be helpful for their better use of nature. Based on the findings from the pilot research, an outdoor lab will be designed and constructed to conduct more comprehensive researches about development and efficacy of design, nature-based activities and rehabilitation programs in nature.