Zagreb, Croatia

Therapeutic Garden in Zagreb

A therapeutic garden is a space that improves well-being by providing accessible and serene spaces for socialisation and contemplation. In Zagreb, Croatia, differently abled people expressed an interest in urban gardening. The city responded by developing a new, holistic ‘therapeutic garden’ and a mini urban farm  in Sesvete, the easternmost neighbourhood of Zagreb.

Images by the City of Zagreb

The garden is designed with the help of local institutions catering for people with various disabilities, including ‘Little Home’ day-care centre that hosts a variety of therapeutic and interactive activities for children with a disability. The children are involved in learning activities by planting herbs, vegetables and flowers. The visitors to the garden observe nature with all senses, with various activities such as games and art classes with nature taking centre stage. The Sesvete garden motivates families that have members with disabilities to engage in activities, increase interaction between those with and without disabilities, and integrate marginalized people into the local community.

This garden is the first of its kind in Croatia. During its development, the city consulted the potential users of the garden as well as therapists for differently abled people. The garden was designed using this data, to make sure that the users have their needs met.

The therapeutic garden is designed in such a way as to enable a pleasant and safe stay and relaxation of all groups of users. The design uses natural materials that provide a sense of security and peace, and circular forms that facilitate fluid movement through space. The space is entered through a pergola frame through which creepers will grow, and the entire garden is bounded by a metal fence and also green hedge to dim the sound. The upgrades of the garden design will be influenced by the input of the caretakers.

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