A STUDY ON THE DETERMINATION OF THERAPEUTIC LANDSCAPE OF THE COASTLINE OF ORDU PROVINCE

Abstract

The basis of the concept of therapeutic landscape is the interaction and connection between 'Human-Health-Nature'. Healing Gardens, which increase the well-being of people, eliminate stress, and where natural elements are dominant, is the first starting point of the concept of therapeutic landscape, and in parallel with the development of the discipline of health geography, scientific studies on "Therapeutic Landscape" have started to take place in the literature. Healing gardens often refer to gardens designed to promote healing, while therapeutic landscapes are viewed as spaces that are also non-ill individuals benefit from. The high-speed overstimulation of modern society makes people prone to lack of attention and therapeutic landscapes are recognized as an important concept that helps to eliminate this condition. Uses such as urban open green spaces, recreation areas, and city parks appear as important potential areas for cities in terms of the concept of therapeutic landscape. Therapeutic landscapes have unique design principles, and these areas with potential for cities should have the design principles adopted in this context.
Within the scope of the research, it is aimed to measure the therapeutic landscape potential of the coastline landscape of Ordu Province Altınordu District through the perceptions and expectations of the local people. The size of the research sample was determined as 378 people based on the ratio of 1/1000 people. The individuals in the sample were randomly selected and the questionnaire was applied face-to-face between 2022 and early 2023. Analysis and interpretation of the research results were carried out in the SPSS program using non-parametric statistical evaluation methods. Within the scope of the study, the awareness levels of the local people on the concept of therapeutic landscape were determined and it was seen that 53.3% of the individuals who participated in the study did not know the concept. The study continued by giving information on the concept of therapeutic landscape and in this context, it was concluded that the landscape of the Ordu coastline had a high level of therapeutic effect by 37.3% of the participants. The most important finding in terms of the expectations of the local people was the increase in green areas and recreational areas, as well as the increase of technological devices that will facilitate the access of individuals with special needs.