The summer issue of Ground magazine is out!

This issue (#18) features a round table discussion on designing for health. Nancy Chater, co-chair of the Ground editorial board speaks to landscape architects Jane Eligh-Feryn, Paul Young, and Viive Kittask, who completed her bachelor of Landscape Architecture at the University of Toronto.

Kittas is an associate at Vertechs Desing Inc. and has worked on a variety of projects in the field of healthcare, including residential-scale-healing gardens. More recently, she directed community revitalization projects such as the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health's Queen Street redevelopment in Toronto.

"Therapeutic landscapes are intended to accommodate all levels of ability and address problems or challenges associated with vision, hearing, mobility and cognitive impairments and changes associated with the aging process," Kittas tells Chater.

"Principles include microclimate conditions such as shade, absence of wind and heat traps, avoidance of architectural barriers, and selection of appropriate site furniture. Design of wide walkways to accommodate two-way travel alleviates the concern of those unsteady on their feet. We create accessible environments that can be viewed from the indoors. A strong integration between inside and outside is important, especially for those unable to get outdoors. Overall, we want to foster independence and create spaces that will motivate the residents to use the landscape for various actives."

You can download the full article from the Ground website.