Date:Â 27 February 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location:Â East Coast Park NParks Office & KPMG Wellness Garden
On a bright morning in late February, a group of 21 students gathered at the East Coast Park NParks Office for an insightful session on therapeutic garden design. Facilitated by NParks employees Afiq Fairuz (Landscape Architect and garden designer) and Dr. Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo, the event combined theory, site exploration, and hands-on analysis.
Session Highlights:
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Presentation & Tour: The session began with an engaging overview of NParks’ Therapeutic Gardens Network, followed by a guided tour of the KPMG Wellness Garden. Students learned about the principles of healing landscapes and how nature can enhance mental well-being.
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Site Analysis: After the briefing, the group was ferried via buggy to the garden, where they conducted an in-situ site analysis using the CLM. Under Dr. Olszewska-Guizzo’s guidance, students assessed landscape quality, focusing on elements that promote relaxation and mindfulness.
Key Takeaways:
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The importance of thoughtful landscape design in creating restorative spaces.
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Practical applications of evidence-based therapeutic garden principles.
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A deeper appreciation for NParks’ initiatives in fostering mental wellness through nature.
Special thanks to Afiq Fairuz and the NParks team for organizing the logistics, including the buggy shuttle, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience for all.
This visit was a fantastic opportunity for students of Biophilic Design @NAFA to bridge theory and practice, gaining inspiration for their own design projects. We look forward to more such collaborations in the future!
Have you visited a therapeutic garden before? Visit this page to learn more about Contemplative Landscapes in Singapore! 🌿✨
