Landscape Architect Articles

LASN Stewardship March 200803-29-08 | News

Joel Schnaper Memorial Garden: An Urban Oasis of Peace and Tranquility

By David Kamp, FASLA, LF and Deanna Medina

Wisteria and clematis were selected for the vines of the memorial garden, the shrubs are Hinoki cypress and the annuals are impatiens. In addition to the plants, there is an assortment of vegetables grown in the Schnaper Garden as part of the horticultural therapy programs. The horticultural therapist on staff selects the plant materials and changes them depending on the program.
Photos: Dirtworks, PC

The Joel Schnaper Memorial Garden was Dirtworks, PC?EUR??,,????'???s first commission. Built in 1995 on the roof at Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center in East Harlem, N.Y., the firm recently donated hours to help redesign and rebuild the garden.

In 2004, building upgrades forced the reconstruction project to move forward. The Terrance Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center is a long-term care facility that provides services to the elderly and residents with a range of developmental disabilities and chronic illnesses, including AIDS.

The recipient of national and regional design awards and featured in television documentaries, the garden was built entirely through small donations and volunteer labor.

The 3,000 square-foot area that is now the Joel Schnaper Memorial Garden was formerly unused rooftop space at the Terrance Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center in New York. The garden was designed to offer a choice of protective settings for individual comfort. Ease of maneuverability is emphasized to conserve stamina and encourage residents to experience the garden without assistance.

This 3,000 square foot rooftop terrace provides a therapeutic garden setting for patients at the facility. Welcoming all residents, visitors and staff of this 700-bed long term care facility, the garden?EUR??,,????'???s design focuses on the specific needs of HIV patients.

A choice of protective settings is offered, for individual comfort. Special areas are featured with floor painting to provide interest and orientation within the garden and when viewed from rooms above.
The Joel Schnaper Memorial Garden was the recipient of the 1995 ASLA Merit Award in General Design.

A Gathering Place

The garden also serves as a convenient location for social activities, ranging from parties to exercise classes to small gatherings. This project shows the effectiveness of gardens to influence and enhance the quality of the health care environment. It advances the idea that properly planned and operated gardens can reduce stress and encourage a sense of well-being for long-term health care patients.

Materials were chosen to extend the life of the garden for decades of enjoyment. Ms Fierle, Director of therapeutic recreation at Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center, describes the Schnaper Garden as a ?EUR??,,????'???EUR??,,????'??? healing garden, which has truly been a source of joy, delight, and inspiration for our residents and their families.?EUR??,,????'??

About the Firm

Dirtworks, PC is an internationally recognized and award-winning landscape architecture firm. Its designs enhance the restorative quality of the natural environment. Established in 1995 by David Kamp, FASLA, LF, the firm is committed to design excellence and environmental sensitivity, personal commitment and collaboration. Dirtworks provides a full range of professional services with a staff of technically trained and design-oriented landscape architects.

Mr. Kamp, is the recipient of the 2003 William E. Simon Award for his exceptional commitment to the Schnaper Garden residents and patients. The award was given by the Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center Malta Volunteer Services.

Additional reporting by Gregory V. Harris, assistant editor