The master’s thesis explores the process of designing a therapeutic garden at the Home for the Elderly Ljubljana Vič Rudnik, Kolezija unit, using a participatory approach that involves users in the early stage of planning. The aim was to determine how the involvement of residents influences the quality of spatial solutions and to what extent their needs align with the guidelines defined in professional literature on therapeutic environments. The theoretical part presents the conceptual framework based on Attention Restoration Theory (Kaplan and Kaplan, 1989) and Stress Reduction Theory (Ulrich, 1984), which emphasize the importance of natural elements and multisensory experiences in promoting users’ physical and mental well-being. The empirical part was based on a participatory workshop in which residents, through the use of a model, spatial testing, and discussion, co-created proposals for the layout of the atrium garden. The results showed that residents identified shade, accessibility, spatial openness, homeliness, and contact with nature as key elements of spatial experience. The findings confirm that the participatory approach enables a better understanding of users’ needs and leads to spatial solutions that are more adaptable, sustainable, and experientially rich. The therapeutic garden of the Kolezija unit represents an example of good practice that fosters collaboration, social connectedness, and an improved quality of life for elderly residents.
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