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Abstract
This research details a philosophical framework, the Enso Framework, based on the principles of Zen Buddhism to heal sensitive sites like landscape scars. A landscape scar is a human-induced laceration or alteration of the land that changes its form or function. The Enso Framework, supported by the pillars of mind cultivation, scar investigation, and engagement, is one approach landscape architects can utilize to heal the mental and emotional wounds associated with a landscape scar, unpack layers of traumatic history on a site, and establish a compassionate atmosphere for healing through landscape design. This research investigates the use of the landscape scar metaphor as an analytical tool for understanding the layered heritage of a particular landscape, explores landscape scars across various academic fields, provides an overview of the Buddhist tradition with an emphasis on Zen, and concludes with a study case of Dried Indian Creek, a landscape scar in Newton County, Georgia.