Designing an Artistic Moss Garden for Physical and Mental Wellbeing

Kneiser, Hana

Designing an Artistic Moss Garden for Physical and Mental Wellbeing

Persistent URL

https://hdl.handle.net/10456/57684

Author(s)

Kneiser, Hana

Date Issued

April 29, 2024

Abstract

Forest bathing is the practice of consciously spending time in nature, not to partake in any activities, but to simply exist and take in one’s surroundings. Grounding or earthing is simply sustaining direct physical contact with the ground. It has been shown to regulate the body’s functions by syncing it to the Earth’s circadian rhythms. Both grounding and forest bathing have been found to help people with anxiety/stress, depression, inflammation, blood pressure, and many other mental and physical health benefits. In this project I examine how these nature-based practices can be made more inviting, accessible, and comfortable to people, particularly overly-stressed college students. This was done by designing moss gardens that are not only functional seating areas, but are also works of calming art in themselves. The first model features a seating area that positions two people facing each other in reclined and attached lounge chairs. The second model features a single large round seating area surrounded by patches of circular moss stepping “stones” on the ground. The final models are harmoniously flowing, relaxing designs. These designs successfully model a space that could become a garden that helps visitors relax, reflect on their relationship with nature, and enjoy the benefits of Shinrin-Yoku and grounding.

Major

Environmental Science and Sustainability

First Reader(s)

Bowden, Richard D.