Healing Takes Flight

With the continued expansion of urbanization, we have come to recognize the beneficial role nature plays in overall human wellbeing. Urbanization increases the number of urban stressors leading to chronic stress, limiting a person’s ability to be attentive in addition to increasing mental stress, depression, and anxiety. However, scientists have found that visual elements of nature, such as wildlife and trees, help alleviate these chronic conditions. Channeling the findings of the Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory, this proposal focuses on decreasing mental stress to improve attentiveness by healing the lost connection between people and nature through observations and interactions with birds.

The design reimagines the space as a 21st century medicinal garden, becoming a place of healing for both those who visit as well as a site of renewal for the neglected and historic Watson House. To minimize stress caused by urban environments, educational design details are placed along the paths, refocusing visitor’s attention to the birds and guiding species identification. The forest invites visitors and buffers against noise pollution, providing a relaxed sense of wilderness within the city. The plant palette encourages usage by bird species year-round and creates seasonal interest for visitors. The Watson House gardens are transformed into a destination, serving as a refuge from the hustle and bustle of urban life for both human and wildlife species alike.

Instructor: Phoebe Lickwar