that is not only attractive, but has a measurable effect upon the health
and well-being of those who use the space. Julie Queler, director of the
Orchid Center, is a passionate advocate of holistic approaches to therapy.
The Orchid Center is the first treatment facility of its kind to incorporate
art, color, sound, aromatherapy, and other powerful elements of interior
design in a deliberate attempt to make the living environment its own
unique therapeutic tool.
substance," explains Queler. "One of the reasons we hired Gay was for
her unique and intuitive ability to `feel' spaces and to create an inspiring
and peaceful sense of well-being."
her artistic percipience and practical common sense to accurately
identify the elements in an environment and arrange them in their
healthiest positions. But to design an environment like the one at
Orchid, where the intention is to provide a safe haven for people the
artist may never know, Kanuth needs to pursue nature's own universal
remedies. On a personal and intimate level it is necessary for her to
undergo a continual creative process of self-balancing, in order to
envision and implement an effective therapeutic design.
from all walks of life will come here. The importance is to make them all
feel right at home in the space. They are at a place of surrender in their
lives, and are in pain. I am interested in creating environments that are
restful, peaceful, and surround them with a secure place to heal."
spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical influence of an environment
the space. Most people experience fear, angst,
loss of personal control and a heightened
sense of isolation as soon as they enter the
institutional setting of a technologically oriented
healthcare facility. Planetree design strives to
eliminate those effects, by providing positive
therapeutic stimuli and support through a
proactive strategy. The design itself becomes
an intentional instrument in the healing and
recovery process.
of time. The Mayans chose construction sites
based upon nature, and used everything
from soil samples to calculations of math and
astronomy to determine the ideal orientation
for their buildings. In ancient Greece,
patients were restored to health through
harmonious combinations of music and art.
The physician Galen induced laughter to
treat depression 2,000 years ago. Ancient
Chinese medicine called for balancing the
energy centers of the body via sound, aroma,
and meditation. In India, ayurvedic musical
tempos, corresponding with different cycles of
physiology or times of day, were recommended
trained vocalist and sound healer, is a consultant at the Orchid Center.
"Sound therapy is the utilization of sound vibration as a medium for
healing," she explains. Di Bello works with the human voice, crystal bowls
that give off particular tones, and meditation and yoga sessions, to help
participants relieve stress and feel more physically, psychologically, and
spiritually centered and balanced. She is also producing a CD recording
of the therapy meditations, so women who visit the Orchid Center can take
the exercises with them and continue practicing the modality at home.
forests of Australia. "In the quietness of it all I felt a hum", she says. The
artwork and spiritual attitude of the indigenous people had a profound
influence upon her. "I keep that within myself and go into that space
whenever I can."
Center. "I am listening to people that are already in sobriety. I am
listening to and observing families who visit treatment centers and AA
meetings. I am listening to the wonderful work and ideas Julie Queler is
creating for these women staying at the Orchid. And I am convinced that
the next step in the healing process is the surroundings. It is all about
inspiring these women to change, to open their eyes to what possibilities
lie ahead for them. Creative thinking and exploration of their own ideas
can be inspired by their surroundings."
suggest that well-planned environments can reduce depression,
restlessness, insomnia, perception of pain, high blood pressure,
and anxiety. Mood elevation, increased endorphin levels, enhanced
cognitive functioning, and improved immune-system responses are
to acquaint the staff of Orchid Center with the principles of sound healing therapy