Evaluation of the use of Therapeutic Landscape in Selected Medical Facilities In Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria

Authors

  • Anthony B. SHOLANKE, Jérôme O. OKE

Abstract

The growth in population of cities has brought about pressure on urban land, increase in population and some illnesses as a result of the stress people undergo to satisfy their basic human needs. To help enhance patients’ recovery when ill, medical experts are exploring the use of various natural means, one of which is the use of therapeutic landscape. This involves the use of distinctive landscape features in an environment to help achieve physical, mental and spiritual healing for patients. Due to its healing benefit, therapeutic landscape has become a popularly used concept in the design of medical facilities in different parts of the globe. It is on this note that this study evaluated to what extent was therapeutic landscape implemented to enhance patients’ recovery in selected medical facilities in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria, with a view to discover likely areas for further improvements. The study adopted qualitative research methodology using direct observation and document review of previous studies related to the subject to gather data, which were content analysed. The result indicated that none of the medical facilities investigated use therapeutic landscape to complement the orthodox medical treatment offered in them. Though the medical facilities had softcape components such as lawns, shrubs, flowers and trees within their site, they were not provided for therapeutic purpose, but rather for aesthetical and shading purposes. There is therefore a need to sensitise stakeholders on the importance of integrating therapeutic landscape in medical environments in order for patients to reap its benefits in the study area. The study recommends that educative and enlightenment platforms be provided by medical experts from time to time, for built environment design professionals such as, Architects and Town Planners, to gain insight on the concept, components and benefits of therapeutic landscape. This will enable such professionals to be able to consciously develop appropriate ways of implementing its features in the development of future medical facilities.

Published

2020-12-01

Issue

Section

Articles