Behavioral Mapping of Multisensory Experience and Engagement in Accessible Gardens: A Case Study of Xuanwu Lake Park, Nanjing

Numerous studies have shown that sensory stimulation in urban gardens can help improve people’s behavioural performance and physical and mental health. Accessible gardens for people with visual impairments provide crucial settings for sensing outdoor environments and may support social integration and psychological restoration. This study uses the Xuanwu Lake Accessible Garden in Nanjing as a case. Users’ sensory-related behaviours were systematically documented through behavioural observation. Demographic and behavioural data for 1,167 users were recorded on base maps and grid sheets. Daily patterns of use were further stratified by behaviour categories and users’ profiles, and their relationship with the sensory-space type and behaviours was assessed with Chi-square test. In parallel, 15 semi-structured interviews with visually impaired participants were conducted under the Sensory Experience Enlightenment Protocol (SEEP), and thematic analysis in NVivo was used to characterise their positive and negative sensory experiences in the garden. Results indicated that the multisensory spaces in the accessible garden provided rich, discernible stimuli, and sensory elements were significantly associated with users’ sensory-related behaviours. Overall experiences among visually impaired participants were positive, with tactile and auditory dimensions most salient. This study provides empirical evidence for the design of multi-sensory experiences in accessible gardens by creating conditions for psychological recovery, stress relief and social participation through the pathway of "accessibility-sensory-behavioural engagement".