Ecological & Restorative Theory

Our class on ecological and restorative theory was fascinating. Kristin and Ashley presented an extremely informative presentation.

Interestingly enough with the increase in public awareness concerning the environment we still continue to behave in ways that are contrary and damaging to our own health and the health of the planet. We are disconnected with our natural world. Just because we behave in ways that are not environmentally conscious does not mean that we are not concerned.

Studying peoples relationship with nature can provide insight into the way they treat the environment. To further understand the connection between peoples behaviour and actions psychologists have examined the flowing...

• Motivations
• Attitudes
• Values
• Beliefs

An interesting concept to me was the "biophilia hypothesis". This hypothesis attempts to explain why people desire to relate and be in the natural environment. Those who study this look to the popularity of outdoor activities and our fondness of natural scenery as evidence of this phenomenon. However, it is noted that there is considerable variability in the extent to which people are drawn to nature. To further emphasize this concept Kristin and Ashley went on to talk about the "ecological self and nature relatedness". These concepts talk to the interconnectedness people feel with the earth and how damage to it really damages ourselves and the appreciation and understanding we have with living things. I must say over the past several years my own connectedness to our earth and environment has been of increasing concern.

Nature and its importance to healing and health dates back centuries and across cultures. Positive health outcomes can be measured by using nature and healing gardens into the health care equation. By reducing stress through natural features can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, lessen pain whereby shortening hospital stays. Ecological Restorative Theory researchers search for quantitative and credible information that proves that gardens are an efficient and cost effective way to improve health outcomes and patient satisfaction.

By incorporating healing gardens into the design of hospitals and other healthcare facilities helps to reduce the uncomfortable and unpleasant association of the expedience. The goals of healing gardens are to:

• Foster Restoration
• Provide therapeutic benefits to users
• Elicit other positive influences

Additionally, characteristics of a healing garden include:

• Contain real nature, such as green vegetation, flowers, water, etc.
• Vary in size depending on facility
• Can be indoor or outdoors
• Often found in hospitals and other healthcare facilities
• Offer various activities to include physical rehabilitation, horticultural therapy, sitting, social interaction and viewing from windows.
• Must be user-centered and supportive
• Must get input from patients and staff in order to develop a well planned, informed garden design, which supports user's needs.

Kristin and Ashley when on to talk about many other topics in reference to these spaces. Some of the additional topics included:

• Providing and Designing for a Sense of Control and Privacy
• Providing and Designing for Social Support
• Providing and Designing for Physical Movement and Exercise
• Providing and Designing for Positive Natural Distractions and Avoiding Negative Ones
• Advantages of the Healing Garden
• Healing Gardens for Alzheimer's
• The Design Principles of healing Gardens

All of which were extremely informative and interesting.

Image:

http://www.asla.org/