︎  Greenspace as a stress-coping Hub for Caregivers

I aim to design the greenspace to make it a stress-coping hub to give Vivienne a better and convenient place to move and take care of her mental well-being.
By Chuwen Zhong ︎ 




Hypothesis


I hypothesize that the greenspace can serve as a multi-purpose stress-coping hub for Vivienne.


  • Why
Vivien’s caregiving responsibility and consistent focus may create chronic stress, loneliness, and a sense of lost mastery, which in turn will negatively impact her caregiving.

  • How
The designed greenspace will make “going to the greenspace” a convenient third place to gain nature exposure, and to be a desirable option for Vivienne to move and reduce stress.

  • What
The greenspace will be designed to include the following aspects: a wellness center, full Internet coverage, comfortable walking paths, and mindful signboards.

  • So What
By providing a multi-purpose greenspace for Vivienne and other healthcare givers, they gain accessible tools to cope with stress, feel connected, and reduce vigilant mind states. The exercise, nature, and mindful activities can help them regain mastery and hope, ultimately benefiting both caregivers and care recipients.




The Link Between Design and Outcomes
The design aims to increase caregivers’ use of the greenspace, with the expectation that more frequent and longer visits will be associated with lower stress, greater physical activity, and improved life and relationship satisfaction.


︎︎︎Download TheGreenspace Poster

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Works Cited
1.https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/caregiver-stress/art-20044784
2. Kilmer G, Omura JD, Bouldin ED, et al. Changes in Health Indicators Among Caregivers — United States, 2015–2016 to 2021–2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024;73:740–746. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7334a2
3.Soh, X. C., Hartanto, A., Ling, N., Reyes, M., Sim, L., & Majeed, N. M. (2025). Prevalence of depression, anxiety, burden, burnout, and stress in informal caregivers: An umbrella review of meta-analyses. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus, 2(3), 100197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100197

4.  24+ Thousand Green Mind Icon Royalty-Free Images, Stock Photos & Pictures | Shutterstock

Mark