Natural Play Park : Landscape design of urban public parks in response to “nature-deficit disorder”

This graduate project explores how landscape design can help urban youth reconnect with nature amidst increasing academic pressure, sedentary lifestyles, and nature deficit disorder. Located in Changfeng Park, Shanghai, the project aims to transform an old mechanical playground into a nature-based, adventure- oriented recreational landscape for youth. Drawing on theories of therapeutic landscape design, sensory design, and unstructured play, the project integrates ecological learning and encourages independent exploration. Through site-specific ecological analysis and precedent studies, the project aims to create a socially interactive and sensory-rich environment within a contemporary urban park setting, thereby promoting the physical and mental well-being of young people.