Introducing healing gardens into a Compact University Campus: Design natural space to create healthy and sustainable campuses

Abstract

Natural space is beneficial for human mental health, a fact confirmed by a large body of research findings. This benefit has significance for university staff and students who are at a critical stage of development of their bodies and minds. Given the fact that university study is quite stressful for most college students, the study of the healing power of natural space on campus could be of value in sustainable campus landscape design. The paper explores the application of healing gardens to a compact campus design and renovation, in order to study its potential role in realizing the objective of creating a health-supportive and sustainable campus environment. Mental health benefits and design guidelines for healing gardens are discussed, through an extensive literature review. Following this, HKU Main campus is used as a case study in which the use pattern of the green spaces in a compact built setting is examined. Based on the findings, suggestions for improvement of both the existing HKU grounds and the new centennial campus natural space are offered in an attempt to enhance health benefits and make the university a healthier environment for study and leisure.