Subjugating Loneliness

Dynamic Oasis

Part I .

SITE IMMERSION OBSERVATION & ANALYSIS

Site Immersion

Site: Marine Drive Residence, UBC

Desicrption: Chosen sight is located at the open lawn area surrounded by residence builings in Marine Drive. The site is flat with no huge vegetations. The area was lack of usage, the space is deserted, which immediately exacerbate the sense of loneliness.

Base Plan

Sections

Perspective

Site Observation and Analysis

3D cube method: showing the soil components, drainage, precipitation, ground condition, sunshine and flow of predestrian.

Multi-sensory evaluation: Lack off smell, taste and sound

Record of feeling: Loney, Calm, Frustrated, Variable

Record of materials: Hardscape in majority

Record of shapes and form of space: Mostly rectangular and formal

Record of plants: Deciduous and evergreen mix, small tress small shrubs.

Record of drainage and soil: Huge infiltration and rainwater runoff into the site

Record of sunlight: Medium shade

Record of pedestrican flow: Dense (black)

Record of noice: even background noice, a sudden change in amplitude

Record of air quality: smell of grass

Record of wind: breeze seeping through between buildings, convection wind.

Part II

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

Preliminary Design Stage

Context Plan

Health Issue Research

The findings of the intervention studies clearly indicate that physical activity programs can contribute to a reduction in loneliness. (F. Pels and J. Kleinert, 2016)
Contextual social support gained in the context of physical activity might simply moderate the strength of the influence of physical activity on loneliness; global social support, on the other hand, might be increased by physical activity (which, in turn, decreases loneliness: mediator effect) as physical activity is associated with social competence. (Haugen et al., 2013)
Researchers have also reported that psychological benefits
accrue from living with animals. These include studies
showing that pet owners have higher self-esteem, more positive
moods, more ambition, greater life satisfaction, and lower
levels of loneliness (El-Alayli, Lystad, Webb, Hollingsworth,
& Ciolli, 2006).
“Pets have been shown to lower blood pressure,8 decrease allergies in children, calm or prevent panic attacks,10 and overall encourage movement and wellness” (P, Conlon, NCC, 2020)
Research from University of Carlifornia has made strong links between lack of sleep and loneliness. In a test between well-rested people and people who suffered from sleep the later keep people approaching them at a distance up to 60% further away.

Conclusion: The most effective way of healing lonliness are interaction with animal, meditation, rest and exercise.

Concept Diagram

Design elements: Create spaces for people to exercise, interact with pets, and meditate.

Imaginary feeling of the design

Initial Garden Shape and Form development

Different layout that link elements.

Evaluate the possibilities

Imaginary Human Activities in the garden

Schematic Design (First Trial)

Design Option 1: Rectangular plan

Design option II: Circular plan

Option I Schematic Plans, Sections and Perspectives

Option II Schematic Plans, Sections and Perspectives

Schematic Design and Detailed Design

Schematic Design (Iterations)

Evaluation of first iteration: Criterion was set up, option II was chosen to further develop

Second iteration: Evaluation and concerns

Third iteration: Evaluation and concerns

Forth iteration: Evaluation and concerns

Fifth iteration: Evaluation and concerns

Final iteration: Evaluation and concerns

Finalized Schematic Plan

Expectations through perspectives

Part III

Detailed Design and Outcome

Refined Concept Statement

The problem of loneliness and academic stress is prevalent among students at UBC. The garden design aims to address this issue by providing a peaceful and healing space for individuals to rest, meditate, and exercise. The garden will feature a carefully selected variety of healing plants that create a calming and soothing environment for its users. The objectives of the garden design are to promote physical and mental well-being, community building, and personal growth. The design aims to offer a sanctuary that fosters a sense of connection, belonging, and healing for all who use it. The garden will encourage social interaction and provide a space for individuals to build meaningful connections, ultimately improving their overall well-being and academic success.

Detailed Site Plan

Detailed Sections

Plant Research

The study also found that inhaling three drops of lavender every 8hours for 4 weeks prevented stress, anxiety, and depression. (Europe PMC 2006)

Research suggests that it may be useful for treating anxiety, insomnia, depression, and restlessness. (Medical News Today 2019)

Researchers found that rosemary and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil sachets had the ability to decrease test-taking stress in nursing students. The reduction in stress was measured through scores of test anxiety, personal statements, and pulse rate.

A trial involving university students discovered that rosemary supplementation reduced anxiety and depression and improved sleep scores. After 1 month of administration, the students’ anxiety scores improved by 18% while depression scores improved by 9%. The sleep scores improved by 14%. (P. Nematolahi, M. Mehrabani, S.Karami-Mohajeri, F. Dabaghzadeh 2017)

Conclusion: Lavender and rosemary are key plants that their characteristics could heal stress and anxiety which is helpful in coping with loneliness.

Planting Design Considerations:

Ensure plants receive sufficient sunlight, preferred partly shade or fully shade
Good drainage is required because of large amount of infiltration from the openness of area.
Mix combinations with evergreen and deciduous such that there is something to look at in both summer and winter.
Plants can be act as a screen to provide privacy for meditation
Plants that emit fragrant
Plants should be comfy and peacful.

Plant List