The Mary & Al Schneider Healing Garden was designed as an integral part of the new Seidman Cancer Center. The garden creates an experience of respite for cancer patients, staff and families – an “Island” designed to both calm and delight one’s senses in the core of downtown Cleveland.
Requests were made for creating a sense of calm for visitors who want to recharge and rejuvenate yet also provide a sense of whimsy; of being able to touch rocks, allowing those journeying with cancer something to hang onto and feel the rock’s strength, of being able to find a place of respite, to inspire by quotations, having an open space to breathe, a place to be away from busy streets yet a part of the urban fabric.
As one enters the garden, one becomes aware of entering “somewhere else instead”. One begins to feel transported as one eases down the accessible pathway into the subtly walled garden.
Below the busy corner of UH Drive and Euclid Avenue, the garden becomes a “green oasis”. Immersed under a canopy of trees, providing shade in summer months, the accessible pathway leads into a walled garden inspired by the elements of earth, fire, wind and water. One arrives at the carved granite labyrinth to find its opening beckoning an invitation; the labyrinth is a walking meditation tool engaging the right brain. It provides opportunities for both organized programs by hospital staff, and self-initiated walks by any who visit the garden.
The lower area of café tables and chairs, accessible by ramp or steps, becomes a place to sit and meet, to move a chair into sunshine or shade; to enjoy a sense of respite, or savor one’s lunch.
Mary & Al Schneider Healing Garden | Cleveland USA | Visionscapes
University Hospitals of Cleveland, Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, Ohio USA
Owner/Client: University Hospitals of Cleveland
PROJECT TEAM
Lead Design Landscape Architect
Visionscapes, Inc.
Associate Landscape Architect
Cawrse & Associates, Inc.
Lighting Designer
Ron Friedman, Art & Science Lighting Design
Comments are closed.