Abstract:
HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus), transferable through blood, semen, or other bodily fluids, attacks the body's immune system. Months to years after a person is infected with HIV, this virus destroys the T-cells. When the T-cells are destroyed, the immune system can no longer defend the body against diseases and cancers (Yourhealth, 2002). Stress enables HIV to spread more quickly in infected persons and prevents antiretroviral drugs from restoring immune system function (Vasquez, 1999). When the body's T-cells drop below a certain count, a person is considered to have the severe immunological disorder, AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) (Dictionary.com, 2001).There is no known cure for AIDS (Yourhealth, 2002). Nearly 10,000 Hoosiers had been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS through December 2000 (Aidswalkindianapolis, 2002). Of the people living with HIV/AIDS in Indianapolis, 73% are between the ages of20-39, too young an age for people to be diagnosed with a fatal disease.This master plan was created for HIV/AIDS clients of Open Door Community HIV Services of Muncie, Indiana to meet some of their physical, emotional, and psychological needs. The design began with a vision for a setting in which HIV/AIDS clients' overall wellbeing could be promoted through relief from physical symptoms, stress reduction, and improvement in the overall sense of well-being (increased level of functioning) in a healing garden.The design solution led to the creation Of a series of healing garden spaces for HIV/AIDS clients in a home environment that, through the design, land, and plants, were aesthetically pleasing but also beneficial to health. In this home environment, the clients might find relief from physical symptoms, stress reduction, and improvement in their overall sense of well-being.
