Spatially Linking User Experience and Environmental Conditions: An Evidence-Based Evaluation of a Hospital Healing Garden


ERDOĞAN R., Berk Ş., Soydan O., Tekinalp M. F.

Buildings, cilt.16, sa.11, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 16 Sayı: 11
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.3390/buildings16112068
  • Dergi Adı: Buildings
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Applied Science & Technology Source, Avery, Compendex, INSPEC, Directory of Open Access Journals, Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Materials Science & Engineering Collection (ProQuest), Technology Collection (ProQuest)
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: environmental psychology, evidence-based design, healthcare environments, hospital gardens, mixed-methods research, restorative design, therapeutic landscapes, user wellbeing/emotional wellbeing
  • Akdeniz Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Hospital gardens are increasingly recognized as therapeutic environments; however, many Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) studies remain limited to perception-based assessments without explicitly linking spatial characteristics to user experience. This study develops an evidence-based evaluation framework integrating spatial analysis with user-centered data. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining systematic observations, spatial mapping, and a structured short-form questionnaire administered to 350 users. The study area was classified into three micro-climatic zones—hot, moderate, and cool/shaded—based on solar exposure, vegetation density, and surface characteristics. User experience was evaluated through composite indices of comfort, satisfaction, and perceived restorativeness (Cronbach’s α = 0.83). The results indicate a clear spatial gradient: mean comfort scores increased from 2.8 in hot zones to 3.5 in moderate zones and 4.2 in cool/shaded areas. These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05) and supported by meaningful effect sizes (Cohen’s d). Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that natural components—specifically mature vegetation and clean air—are strongly associated with psychological recovery (β = 0.54, p < 0.001). Spatial analysis also revealed a mismatch between design configuration and environmental performance. The findings provide a transferable, spatially grounded framework for optimizing therapeutic landscapes in healthcare settings.