Healing at a Hospital Garden: Integration of Physical and Non-Physical Aspects

The natural environment with flowers and greenery is usually distant from patients in hospitals physically as well as mentally, yet research evidence is building that indicates hospital window views of natural scenes can aid in patients recovery. Flowers and greenery is also important in the healing process from grief. To provide such an environment, a tranquil space for meditation or a secret tear is required in a garden. The Kansai Rosai Hospital garden is designed for an acute care hospital with 600 beds specialized in treatment of industrial injuries with four main concepts: 1) environment with a natural cycle experience, 2) space to meditate, 3) space to encourage interaction of people, and 4) time continuation in nature. The garden was designed using universal design principles. The garden invites people in the hospital to go outside and provides an option for rehabilitation programs along with the some-times monotonous exercises in the rehabilitation room. The semi-private and private spaces within the garden allow people to have quiet time, as well as to enjoy private conversation. This garden also helps to make the acute care hospital a familiar place for people in the nearby communities. However, the physical design of the space is not the only reason for its success as a hospital garden. A non-physical aspect is a group of volunteers called "hospital-park gardeners" that help maintain the garden and help the people who use the garden to feel comfortable. In this paper, the design concepts and details are explained and survey results on how this garden affects patients, their family and friends, and hospital staff is presented.