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Course Descriptions

Currently accepting applications Apply now >> Next program starts: Autumn 2008 Program location: UW campus, Seattle Next information meeting: Thurs., Aug. 14 (see details >>) Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>

Autumn Course

Historical and Cultural Overview of Healing/Restorative Gardens

Schedule: (10 sessions) Tuesdays, 6:00-9:00 p.m., Sept. 30-Dec. 9, 2008 (no class Nov. 11); 3 credits; $840; Instructors: Mark Epstein

Provides background information related to the history, programming, design and evaluation of healing/therapeutic gardens. Reviews the history of restorative outdoor spaces in western culture and compares how other cultures view restorative gardens. Defines different types of healing gardens; also presents basic principles of programming and design, as well as current research on evidence-based environmental design. Class format includes instructor and guest speaker lectures, panel and informal discussions and a field trip.

Winter Courses

Processes and Principles for Healing/Therapeutic Garden Design

Schedule: (10 sessions) Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m., Jan. 6-Mar. 10, 2009; 3 credits; $840 Instructors: Roxanne Hamilton

Re-examines healing garden design principles presented during Autumn Quarter, explores the characteristics that distinguish a landscape as a 'healing garden," and sets the design process in motion by focusing on the potential held by a particular place in a health care setting. Students will gain insights into the therapeutic benefits of the restorative landscape and tools necessary to create places that support healing. They will consider a wide range of final project options to select one that best suits their individual interests, and write a project proposal as a guide to their efforts in Spring Quarter. The course format is interactive, centering on design exploration supported by readings, slide presentations, discussions and a field trip.

Spring Courses

Independent Project

Schedule: (10 sessions) Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m., Apr. 7-June 9, 2009; 3 credits; $840 Instructors: Mark Epstein and Roxanne Hamilton

The final course is devoted to the development and completion of the independent project---- unique for each student--that individuals proposed during Winter Quarter. Working individually with each student, the course instructor provides feedback, support and assistance. During the final two class sessions, students present their project to their classmates and to invited participants (including possible clients for a design proposal). The format for this course includes a few full-class activities (lectures and/or field trips), but is largely devoted to one-on-one meetings between each student and the instructor.