Healing Through Nature: Designing Therapeutic Landscapes at Excelsior Health and Wellness
The Clinic Building landscape is an exciting opportunity for Bernardo Wills to assist Excelsior with intimate clinical counseling spaces outdoors, intended to supplement their indoor therapy facility. Historically, the site has strong ties to Native American culture and with its spiritual past and connections to nature, provide cues for the therapeutic landscape design that was created. The clinical spaces have an organic circular seating arrangement that could be characterized as traditional “Talking Circles” that emphasize teaching, listing, learning, and sharing. A water feature near the building entry is also included as a wellness practice for healing and relaxation that provide a sound sensory approach and connection to nature with natural basalt bubbler fountain and seating. Even the arrival experience, begins with the organic design of the parking lot, provides a connection to nature with native plantings, retainage of large trees, intended to promote a more relaxing biophilic experience.
