Urban Open Therapy Gardens in EU Cities Mission: Izmir Union Park Proposal

Abstract

One of the biggest problems of societies living in modern world cities is the stress brought by a fast lifestyle. Stress affects individuals psychologically, physically, and socially. With the increase in the factors that cause stress, the need for places that individuals can use as therapy areas has also increased. Especially in this period when the 2030 100 EU (European Union) Cities Mission is determined, it is very important to design urban green spaces where the environmental and social criteria of sustainability are met, as places where society can breathe and where the society gets away from stress. In this study, based on the experiential quality criteria in outdoor therapy gardens, and the results of the evaluations made by experts and users, suggestions are made to improve the conditions of Birlik Park, located in the Gaziemir district of Izmir, one of the cities selected for the 100 EU Cities Mission, and to use it as an open space therapy garden.