Healing garden for health care working with stress and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Designing a garden space for hospital staff with PTSD
- In a study across B.C, half the nurses reported symptoms of PTSD
- Mental health issues are reported to be 1.5 – 3% higher in nurses, then the national average
Havaei, F., Ma, A., Leiter, M., & Gear, A. (2021, May). Describing the mental health state of nurses in British Columbia: A province-wide survey study. Healthcare policy = Politiques de sante. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8200831
Design considerations based on trauma informed design
Research
- Create separate areas for escape and rest
- Avoid entrances or that create dead ends or feeling forced into a space
- Clear line of sight and easy way finding
- Areas that feel safe and secure
- Community connection
https://shopworksarc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Arc-Principles-in-the-Service-of-TID.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8326416/
Process
Back area shaded area with access over the rain garden
Raised garden area with integrated seating
Pavilion with larger seating areas and community space
Planting design
Places that provide experience of “untouched nature”, are found to offer a feeling of serenity and refuge and help reduce stress.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312625097_Development_of_the_nature-based_therapy_concept_for_patients_with_stress-related_illness_at_the_Danish_Healing_Forest_Garden_Nacadia
Colour palette
Cool tones such as blues, greens and purple are considered to be smoothing and calming
Mooney, P. F. (2020). Planting design: Connecting people and place. ROUTLEDGE.
Pollinator garden
Shade area
Rain garden
Sun and partial shade paths
Initial planting plan