Multi-sensory Design Empowering Natural Healing Landscape Design for the Elderly with Cognitive Impairment: An Empirical Study in the Chongqing Area

Abstract

Adopting an interdisciplinary perspective, this study focuses on the nature-based healing needs of the elderly with cognitive impairment and employs multi-sensory design as the core methodology to explore pathways for empowering healing environment art. A theoretical framework and a "Four-dimensional synergy + regional adaptation + elderly-friendly optimization" design strategy system were developed to align with the group characteristics and regional attributes of Chongqing. This system was implemented in an 860-square-meter outdoor courtyard. The results indicate that the strategy significantly enhances spatial cognition and emotional stability among the target group while reducing safety risks. The core value of this research lies in the deep integration of artistic expression and landscape health preservation, offering both theoretical support and a practical example for similar designs in the Southwest region.