I have finally completed my dissertation. One crucial lesson it taught me was that not all writing is good writing. Especially if it is my own. I grew attachments to certain paragraphs as it spoke from my heart and became too eager to share all the knowledge I had learned from research. Though this is not was a dissertation is entirely about. A professional tone with an evidenced opinion is more significant.
These are some paragraphs I had to part ways with;
Louv (2005) introduces the theory of ‘silicon faith’, an
over-reliance on technology as a salvation for bored children and a reassurance
for parents keeping children indoors away from danger. Louv supports the
forward-thinking ways of technology but argues “the overdependence on them
displaces other sources of education, from the arts to nature” (Louv, 2005).
Ramchandani who
claims “play is the language of childhood”.
It is critical to note children have a “statutory right” (Koukourikos et al, 2015) to play.
The overall effect is patients not only receive medical treatment, but a better standard of living during the treatment, to enjoy waiting rooms rather than sit in anxious await of their treatments.
To further this, healing gardens in health care facilities is the most sentimental and powerful way to promote stewardship. Stewardship cannot occur if children are only familiar with technology, biophilic connections will be undervalued through the lack of experience. Should a child have a traumatic experience with their medical procedures, healing gardens can act as a refuge. Thus, forming a positive relationship to nature and a journey for their innate biophilic sense to be explored.
During this current climate with
anxieties of climate change, the research has found that an implication for
practise is the need to educate the next generation and use healing gardens as
a green infrastructure strategy for the environment. Rather than increasing
screen time, play provisions outdoor should be increased to cement a biophilic
connection between children and the natural environment. Landscape architects
should be primary advocates for this agenda.
