In most cases there is little choice as to where we can establish the site of the therapeutic garden. Even if it is possible to be part of a project from the very beginning, the architects are frequently faced with a difficult task in planning the site and its optimal use, following laws, such as minimum parking spots per square meter of a lot ,etc. However, assessing the site is vital to choose the best areas to provide “outdoor rooms”. The following attributes should be taken in consideration:
- Building form and layout
- Climate and microclimate
- Features within and outside the site that may affect it; buildings, landforms, noise
- Flood risk, soil and drainage
Different categories of common outdoor spaces that define location of a possible Therapeutic Garden:
- Public realm- environment around the building, roads, parks, parking areas etc
- Courtyards- internal open spaces surrounded by the building
- Private/enclosed garden- Partially enclosed by walls or fencing
- Spaces at upper levels- balconies and terraces
Image 13. Different categories of common outdoor spaces. Drawing by Jardines Terapeuticos Palmlof.
Special care should be taken around the transition inside/outside, meaning exits and entrance. These intermediate spaces (lobbies, verandahs, hallway), allow:
- Visibility of the outdoor area
- A sheltered place for people to decide whether they want to go out or not
- A space to watch other people
- A place for putting on and taking off outdoor clothes.
What are the warnings when establishing the site for the therapeutic garden? It is essential to consider and beware of:
- Sun angles and orientation
- Solar radiation
- Shelter from wind
Sun angles and orientation
An ideal outdoor area in Europe is to have several areas facing different direction: east, south and west to choose the area after winter/summer and time of the day. In the northern hemisphere east orientation for morning use and south orientation during all day is best. In southern hemisphere, east facing spaces are good for morning and north facing during most of the day. West facing spaces in hotter climates are generally too hot in summer months.
Image 14. Sun Access throughout the day in the northern hemisphere. Source: Drawing by Elisabetta Nucera, JTP, inspired by “Designing outdoor spaces for people with dementia”. Annie Pollock and Mary Marshall
Solar radiation
Solar radiation is the radiant energy emitted by the sun. The material and the color that we use when designing is of importance for the amount of heat retained and subsequently radiated. Here are some key points:
- Dark exterior surfaces are beneficial to absorb radiation, whereas in hot climates light surfaces are needed to reflect radiation. Carefully choose your material and colors to maximize comfort and avoid glare.
- Minimize heat gain by using a balance of hard surfacing and plants and grass- a common rule is 40:60 hard surfaces to soft landscape
Shelter from wind
Wind is more complex and unpredictable than sun and difficult to deal with, but none the less important. We “feel” wind physically on our hair, skin, eyes and clothes. We “see” wind when it moves objects and we “hear” wind when it passes through plants and buildings. To create a comfortable outdoor environment is important to know where the wind could become a nuisance. (Wind accelerate in between buildings, it tends to flow around obstructions rather than bounce off it in random directions, etc.). Here are some key points to consider:
- Wind is potentially hazardous for people with dementia and over sensitive reactions (autism spectrums disorders).
- Upper levels like roof terraces or balcony might not be a good option while wind usually is a problem
- A combination of permeable barrier and planting may be the most effective solution, since visually the planting will not only soften a fence and prevent imprisoning appearance but also decrease the permeability.