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 behavioral 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' perceptual behaviors were systematically documented through behavioral observation. Demographic and behavioral data for 1,167 users were recorded on base maps and grid sheets. Daily patterns of use were further stratified by behavior categories and users' profiles, and their relationship with the sensory-space type and behaviors 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 characterize 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' perceptual behaviors. Overall experiences among visually impaired participants were positive, with tactile and auditory dimensions most salient. This study provides empirical evidence to inform multisensory design in accessible gardens by identifying how sensory-space features are associated with behavioral engagement and self-reported experiences, thereby suggesting design opportunities that may support restorative experiences and social participation.