Healing gardens : the garden on the terrace of the National Oncology Institute in Milan (Italy)

Objectives. It has been widely described in the literature that gardens and interaction with natural elements can increase the quality of life in health-care facilities. The former terrace of the National Oncology Institute in Milan (Italy) was used by patients, relatives and medical staff as well, as an environment where to find peace and restoration from pain and stress. The goal of the project was realize a garden specifically-designed for the users of the Institute. Methods. The method used for the design process was based on the understanding of the user needs (patients, visitors and staff) through interviews, direct observations and the application of the findings of environmental psychology on the interaction among nature and people. Results. The new healing garden on the terrace of the National Oncology Institute was designed and realized recovering everything possible and trying to increase as much as possible the richness in natural elements (bio-diversity) and the possibilities of interactions among people and nature. Discussion. Involving people is the key. Staff is planning ever new activities for involving patients in using in different ways and time of the year the garden. They are also trying to involve patients and relatives in a very base maintenance (watering, cleaning, etc.).