Sandra Schwarz
Nature and green spaces make us feel better, but why is it so? And how can we design gardens for human restoration?RESTORE is a compelling exploration of how green spaces can profoundly support human restoration. Discover the fascinating history of gardens as symbols of wealth and power, but also as places of sanctuary and respite during many millennia. Delve into the diverse ways humans have created green spaces to be spaces of calm and deep connection to nature. Drawing on global evidence-based research, this book illustrates the proven benefits of nature on human wellbeing. It also highlights the invaluable wisdom we can all learn from First Nations people’s world views.In this book, Australian landscape architect, Sandra Schwarz, shares her extensive research into the foundations of restorative garden design. Explore the way green spaces naturally ease our physical functioning, reduce stress and improve our health. Vibrant images across 30 international case studies, showcase how restorative green spaces can nurture and support us physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Providing a new and universal approach to this topic, this book explores diverse public open spaces (High Line, New York City), public gardens (Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne), healthcare gardens (Horatio’s Gardens, UK) and private gardens. RESTORE shares practical tools for anyone to apply as the starting point to green space design. Whether you’re a designer, gardener, healthcare professional or simply someone who finds respite and peace in nature, this book offers a fascinating look at the intersection of environments and wellbeing - making a strong case for why we need restorative green spaces now more than ever!Discover what it is that makes you enter a natural or green space and simply relax and exhale