LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.
Issue link: https://landscapearchitect.epubxp.com/i/107181
Rooftop Healing Garden Debuts in St. Paul The St. Paul Children's Hospital's new rooftop healing garden includes a fish fountain (Cre8Play), which shoots water the length of the fountain from the fish's mouth when children push a button. Other features include plantings, a labyrinth, seating and other custom animal and nature-based features. More than a decade of research in therapeutic and environmental design has made clear that healing gardens and play areas in children's healthcare facilities can decrease stress and increase healthy outcomes. When the Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, St. Paul campus chose to add a new six-story tower, the lack of available space meant the facility's popular healing garden had to go. But the parents, patients and staff made it clear to the hospital administrators the garden was more than just a pleasant view from a patient's window. "The healing garden was important to our staff, parents and most importantly our patients, [and] we knew we needed to create a space for a new one," said Jim Leste, the hospital's director of environmental operations. "Space is tight, so it made sense to put the new healing garden play space up on the rooftop." The project's native wildlife was initially challenged by the weight limit of the hospital's rooftop, but after the structural engineer cleared construction, San Diego-based healthcare design firm Aesthetics Inc. was hired to develop a plan to meet the needs of the clinical teams, the families and the children. A team of hospital committees, parental advisory groups and Aesthetics designers selected the garden's native wildlife theme, and the design was a collaboration between Aesthetics, artist Ken Goldman who designed the animal structures, and Cre8Play, whose artisans brought the sculptures to life. Structural elements include a decorative privacy fence, a labyrinth, native plants and flowers, a Rose fountain with a push button for the kids, deer with an ear talk tube and other nature related music and play features. Elements were placed to create distinct areas for quiet reflection and active play, group and individual seating, and activities for patients, visitors and staff. Information Request # 719 80 Landscape Architect and Specifier News