Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

My ambition with this master's thesis is to provide an analysis of what the key features are in a healing garden for the homeless. This includes but is not limited to: facilities, plant material, work routines, regulations and design considerations. The thesis explores in three parts;
(1) the causes and conditions of homelessness in the USA,
(2) the needs of the homeless population in the USA,
(3) and how we can best address these needs through horticultural therapy.
The first part is based on a literature study of research from the disciplines of social science, medicine and psychology to clarify the needs and issues of the United States Homeless Population. I also spent many hours interviewing and working alongside homeless men and women in order to better understand their situation on a more personal level.
The second part is a one-case study of the Homeless Garden Project in Santa Cruz, CA. This study is based mainly on interviews that I conducted both with the homeless participants and with the staff of the program. I have also recorded my own observations of the program that I made while on site working and interviewing. By applying a phenomenological model for analysis of the collected interview material I have made a gradually deepened interpretation thereof.
In the third part I compile the information gathered in the previous parts and recommend appropriate methods for addressing the needs of homeless people. First the homeless person's needs are discussed with recommendations for approaches to design, regulations, choice of plant material etc. Secondly, aid to common ailments within the homeless population are addressed and discussed. The two different approaches cater to people in different professional fields – builder/planner and medical/social service.
Although my research has been focused on the USA there may well be similarities with, and practices that are applicable to, other parts of the world.