Abstract:
The goal of this proposal is to improve the quality of life for both patients and staff through a series of healing gardens at Reid Memorial Hospital in Richmond, Indiana. From the results of research previously done, a rooftop visitor healing garden, a hospital staff healing garden, and a cancer patient healing garden, have been designed with the primary goal of alleviating the stresses of being in the hospital environment. To determine the best approach to accomplishing this goal, case studies and published works of leading industry professionals have been analyzed and compared to compile a set of design concerns and considerations.
To support design guidelines in the development of the healing gardens, case studies and research has been examined on healing gardens, rooftop gardens, hospital staff needs and cancer patient needs. Studies have shown that the benefits of nature can improve one’s mood, reduce stress, speed up the recovery process, and increase pain tolerances. Reid Hospital's healing gardens are expected to become precedents for future hospital healing gardens throughout the country.