July 2012 - Design For Generations 2.0Design For Generations 2.0

23 Jul

Healing Through Nature conference

Jack Carman, FASLA Healing Gardens 0 0

I just returned from the “Healing through Nature” conference at the Chicago Botanic Garden. This inspirational conference focused on Cognitive Issues and PTSD. Dr. Mark Detweiler, Jonna Detweiler, Sandra Lane of the SVAMC and myself talked about the importance of creating Therapeutic Gardens for Veterans. It was great to be able to show the Landscape Plans for the SVAMC Therapeutic Garden and present an update on the development of the garden. The Salem VA Therapeutic Garden is comprised of a Physical Therapy Garden, Woodland Meditation Garden, Labyrinth Garden, Conservatory and a greenhouse with raised planters for crop production. All areas of the courtyard 1.75 acre garden are being designed for therapeutic purposes. The installation of the garden will be assisted with the help of the Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) program at the SVAMC. Information on the Healing through Nature conference can be found at http://www.chicagobotanic.org/school/certificate/hgd_seminar.php?goback=.gmr_4292194.gde_4292194_member_99872749 Additional information on the Salem VA Therapeutic Garden project can be found at http://theroanoker.com/home-garden/gardener%E2%80%99s-paradise-salem-veterans-administration-medical-center-2012

05 Jul

Parks for Restoration and Healing

Jack Carman, FASLA Health 0 0

I recently had the opportunity to lead a tour of the Conservatory Garden in Central Park. The tour was part of the ‘Healthy Environments Across Generations’ conference by the Collaboration on Health and the Environment held at the Academy of Medicine in NYC. It was exciting to be a part of the conference and to share thoughts and ideas with so many people from other disciplines. A highlight of the event was being able to lead a group of people attending the conference on a tour of the Conservatory Gardens, which are located in the north east side of Central Park at 105th Street and Fifth Avenue. The weather was perfect for walking though the gardens. We discussed the need for parks, especially in urban areas. Olmsted, who designed Central park, understood the need to create these green oasis to help people restore health and well-being through nature. The event was especially poignant because of my personal connection to the NYC parks. My grandfather was head of the Parks Department on Staten Island years ago. I remember going to work with him and his stories about the parks. He is the inspiration for what I am doing today as a landscape architect. So, nature does influence who and what we are on so many different levels. Be sure to visit your parks and open space areas this summer. They will make you feel, better. I promise! To see pictures of the Conservatory Garden in Central park – take a look at this video clip. You definitely have to visit Central park when you are in the area. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxBdM_FfCUY Enjoy!