Evaluation Index for Healing Gardens in Computer-Aided Design

We developed an evaluation index model for healing gardens designed using computer-aided design. The landscape therapy theory, innovative methodologies such as the fuzzy Delphi method, and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) were integrated into the model. Three core design indices for healing gardens—somatosensory elements, visual components, and physical activity features—were identified and analyzed using the developed index model in this study. Plant diversity was identified as the most significant factor, followed by modeling aesthetics, color variety, plant healing properties, spatial recreational features, sensory richness, unobstructed circulation, and barrier-free design. While the developed evaluation index model has limitations, it is a novel and systematic model based on innovative computing methods to assess and enhance contemporary healing garden design.