Category: Alex Mok

D O S E    O F    N A T U R E

STRESS-REDUCING SENSORIAL GARDEN
FOR COMMUTERS

STATEMENT

Since 2021, the Canadian government has reported an increasing proportion of citizens (15%) suffering from generalized anxiety disorder as compared to the pre-COVID period (13%). While businesses are reopening, more commuters find themselves stressed out before arriving to their offices or schools, as they cannot adapt to the sudden shift to work in real locations from online. The research urges a transformation of Dog Chilling Park, a 2,300m² lot adjacent to Arbutus Greenway, the future Arbutus Skytrain Station and relocated 99-B Bus Terminal into a stress-reducing sensorial garden. Through rethinking the site as a post-pandemic greenspace, commuters and other parkgoers can benefit from a journey of self-healing at the urban oasis.

 

SITE OBSERVATION

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

Concept 1 – Isolation

Concept 2 – Connection

 

FINAL DESIGN

Reference

American Animal Hospital Association. (2021, June). Separation anxiety and the “pandemic puppy”: What lies ahead after lockdown. American Animal Hospital Association. Retrieved February 17, 2023, from https://www.aaha.org/publications/newstat/articles/2021-06/separation-anxiety-and-the-pandemic-puppy-what-lies-ahead-after-lockdown/

McVey, D. S., Nash, R. J., & Stansbie, P. (2018). The motivations and experiences of community garden participants in Edinburgh, Scotland. Regional Studies, Regional Science, 5(1), 40–56. https://doi.org/10.1080/21681376.2017.1409650

Souter-Brown, G., Hinckson, E., & Duncan, S. F. M. (2021). Effects of a sensory garden on workplace wellbeing: A randomised control trial. Landscape and Urban Planning, 207, 103997. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2020.103997

Statistics Canada. (2021, September 27). Symptoms of mental health disorders over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Retrieved February 17, 2023, from https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/210927/dq210927a-eng.htm

Vincent, A. (2019). Dog Parks as an Institutional Resource for Social Capital in the Urban Neighborhood. Society & Animals, 29(5–6), 517–538. https://doi.org/10.1163/15685306-00001598

 

 

 

Dog Chilling Park, Kitsilano

Health Issue: Anxiety

According to Statistics Canada (2021), a higher proportion of Canadian citizens (15%) suffered from generalized anxiety disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic, as compared to the pre-pandemic period (13%). The research unveils an urge to rethink post-COVID greenspaces within metro Vancouver. Dog Chilling Park, a 2,300m2 lot adjacent to the future Arbutus Skytrain Station and relocated 99-B line, is chosen to be redesigned as a anxiety-reducing healing garden. The site is hoped to serve as an urban oasis for the increasing number of commuters, students, cyclists, dog owners and parishioners upon the completion of the transportation project.

Statistics:

• “The proportion screening positive for generalized anxiety disorder increased from 15% to 20%. For both time periods, proportions of positive screens for at least one disorder were higher for younger age groups, relative to older groups” (Statistics Canada, 2021).
• “Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns for children and adults, affecting upwards of 20% of children and adolescents over the lifespan.” (Anxiety Canada, 2023).
• According to Canada.com article “Commuter Stress,” the total commute to and from work for the average Canadian is 275 hours per year…dealing with rush hour traffic or busy trains can be highly stressful (Browne, 2020).

DOG CHILLING PARK, KITSILANO

Background

• Size: ~2,300 m²
• Location: Broadway-Arbutus Greenway Intersection; North of Arbutus Skytrain Station & Relocated 99-B Line (to be constructed by 2026); East of St. Augustine School; West of Arbutus Greenway & St. Augustine Parish; South of Delamont Park (playground)
• Current Function: Unofficial dog-friendly space
• Potential: To be redesigned as a multifunctional healing garden for dog owners, commuters, students, cyclists & parishioners