Healing Urban Park Transformation: An Innovative Approach to Therapeutic Urban Design

Abstract

The rapid pace of urbanization has intensified global mental health challenges, with conditions such as depression and bipolar disorder on the rise. Urban landscapes often lack restorative environments, further exacerbating psychological strain. This study explores the transformation of an abandoned industrial site in Zhengzhou, China, into a healing urban park. Adjacent to the Eighth People’s Hospital, the park integrates therapeutic principles from Frederick Law Olmsted, Roger Ulrich, and Jan Gehl. By combining architectural, environmental, and behavioral strategies, the design prioritizes flexibility, inclusivity, and ecological resilience. This paper provides a replicable framework for creating urban spaces that promote mental health, ecological restoration, and community well-being, positioning urban parks as vital components of sustainable and healing urban development.