OWL Sensory Garden
LOCATION. Ankeny, Iowa
TEAM. Andrew Foy, Katrina Knudsen, Alejandra Feliciano
CONCEPT. Our group’s initial design for the OWL Sensory Garden was inspired by the different regions of the brain – specifically how each region relates to the functional activities we carry out on a day-to-day basis. Unlike a neurologically healthy person, patients admitted to the OWL Rehabilitation Center may not be able to effectively utilize one, or several, of these brain region due to previous traumatic brain injury. To facilitate the reactivation and rehabilitation of these specific brain areas, our healing garden design is broken down into distinct areas that encourage activities that engage a specific part of the brain.
Frontal Lobe
A recreational area containing a playground, exercise equipment, a basketball court, and a putting green; Engages motor skills and promotes skeletal & muscle movement.
Cerebellum
A farm/construction-like area that contains several “activity stations” (i.e. – sandbox/gravel digging pit, railroad tracks, curbed & stair areas, etc.); Engages fine motor & muscle control skills.
Occipital Lobe
A butterfly garden featuring colorful flowers and other bird and butterfly attracting plants.
Tempo-ral Lobe
Incorporates the serenity of Zen garden design and soothing sounds of soft instruments to improve hearing and memory skills.
Parietal Lobe
Features handicapped-accessible, raised beds capable of growing fruits and vegetables.
Olfactory Bulb
Utilizes strong-smelling aromatic plants and herbs to engage smell.
Hippocampus
Utilizes comfort of an overhead structure (pergola, gazebo) and amenities (water fountain, electrical plug-ins) to create relaxing environment that promotes memory and reading activities (i.e. tables for outdoor speech therapy, plant signage for memory excercises)
On With Life - Front Patio
On With Life Sensory Garden - Masterplan
Our group’s initial design for the On With Life healing garden was inspired by the different compartments of the brain – specifically how each compartment relates to the functional activities we carry out on a day-to-day basis. Unlike a neurologically healthy person, patients admitted to the OWL Rehabilitation Center may not be able to effectively utilize one, or several, of these brain compartments due to previous, traumatic brain injury. To facilitate the reactivation and rehabilitation of these,specific brain areas, our healing garden design is broken down into distinct areas that encourage activities that engage a specific compartment of the brain.
Putting area detail
As part of the Fun-tal Lobe, OWL clients are encouraged to improve on their motor skills in a small golf putting area. Changing pavement textures from concrete pavers to artificial turf provide an additional challenge for recovering patients.
Tempo-ral Lobe Garden
Fun-tal Lobe - Playground Detail
A playground, conveniently located between client family housing and the OWL facility, provides a place for therapy and to visit with family. Plants closer to the parking lot east of the garden enclose the sapce while allowing for parental monitoring form across the street.
Form Composition
This early-stage design concept illustrates a main accessible looped path which connects all regions of the brain. Smaller connecting paths provide opportunities for more challenging walks, to explore other areas in each garden.
Entrance patio planting
Tempo-ral Lobe Garden island bed planting
Rendered in LumenRT. This digital rendering illustrates the planting composition on the island bed which anchors the Tempo-ral Lobe Garden.