While relaxing on the rear deck of a small boat over the weekend I was reminded of the era of gracious living.
The boat was built in the 1970's. That was the time when people took time to sit and watch the sun go down. They designed homes orientated towards the view, the sun and to provide privacy. We were sitting under a canopy, out of the direct heat of the sun but with wide open views over the bay. There was sufficient space for 4 people to sit comfortably with a small table for snacks and drinks.
In the rush for fast gains, developers and planners have been happy to plonk homes on plots with little thought to the livability of the site.
If we are to live sustainably we need to consider our mental and physical health, and how a well designed space can make us feel. Outdoor living on a verandah or covered terrace allows us to take holidays at home.
Our home and garden can support us and future generations if it is well designed. The key is in the design. See www.greenstonedesign.co.uk for more information on how to design your home for sustainable living
About Me
- GSB
- I am passionate about design for health & well-being. Landscape-led design interventions offer cost effective tools for public health & education. Without ecological health there can be no human health. When we design a healing environment it offers a win:win situation for all. Mental & physical health is impacted by environment. Rising costs associated with an ageing population & non-communicable diseases such as depression, type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart & lung disease means we have to find novel ways to tackle problems. With pre-school children, people living with dementia, disabled veterans, stressed executives, health, education, welfare, justice & play practitioners I advocate inclusive, accessible intergenerational spaces that evolve through flexible design & enlightened management. For 20+ years I have designed gardens, natural play spaces, outdoor learning environments, supportive sensory spaces for private homes, cities, resorts, schools & hospitals in Europe, Asia, UK, NZ & Africa. I have lectured why we need to engage with nature & how best to do so. Speaker, Designer, Writer, Educator
1 comment:
I love verandahs for their ability to link indoors with outdoors in a welcoming transition zone.
In the UK there are now companies specialising in inexpensive glass roofed verandahs to keep the drizzle off while letting the sunshine in. Bliss.
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