FREEDOM FROM TORTURE GARDEN (Displayed during the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024 as part of PROJECT GIVING BACK)
“A Sanctuary for Survivors
The Freedom from Torture garden has been designed as a naturalistic space where horticultural therapy will help to heal and restore survivors of torture on their journey to recovery. Designed with survivors of torture, the garden offers a curvaceous, immersive space where survivors can engage in therapy one-to-one, with family, or in a group. Following its showcase at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024, the garden was relocated to our rehabilitation centre in London, where it is used by survivors and their families on their journey to recovery.” Freedom From Torture Website
The sunken firepit / pizza oven provides a social seating space for group gatherings.
Woven willow waves provide an interactive sculpture along the paths of the garden.
Organic arches and a contrast of colour and materials give a point of interest as one circulates the garden.
The sunken courtyard (pizza oven) is embraced by greenery on all edges.
Practical buildings (tool shed) are not forgotten and sensitively integrated into the space.
Timber seating and natural stone surfaces are known to be restorative, including when installed in a clearly hand-made design.
Gravel paths lead visitors around the entire space.
The pizza oven within its broader context.
Plantings are allowed to grow into the path in a natural manner, without hindering garden visitors from moving through easily.
Timber seating surfaces feature the word 'peace' in a number of different participant languages.
Participation and feedback from participants was particularly strong in this central section of the garden.
Being sunken down, the pizza oven courtyard is nestled even more into the space amongst the vegetation.