The Healing Power of Natural Design
Drawing from his childhood experiences, landscape architect David Kamp has made a career of thoughtfully designing gardens and other green spaces to help enhance visitors’ well-being. Here he discusses his approach and offers practical tips for bringing nature’s healing elements into our own lives.
How did you first become captivated by nature?
I was what some might call a “free-range kid.” The forms and patterns I saw outside fascinated me, and I found connections everywhere, at every scale. Nature was always inviting me to look closer—to listen, smell, touch, and taste. Drawing also helped me observe these elements more clearly, allowing me to understand why things took the shapes they did.
My curiosity evolved during my time at the University of Virginia, where I realized that design is an expression of values. The campus became my classroom; I saw how evocative the built environment could be. Some spaces encouraged walking and thinking, what I call the “pace of thoughts,” while others invited me to pause and reflect. This understanding led me to appreciate how design could foster connections with something larger like nature.
How did your early career experiences further influence this perspective?
I began my career with landscape architect Peter Rolland, who was part of the team chosen to design Australia’s new Parliament House in the 1980s. This project was significant not only for its size—80 acres total—but also for its historical and cultural context. Led by architect Romaldo Giurgola, the design sought to express the character and values of Australia; for instance, the building was placed in the site’s hill rather than on it to honor the land and nature, which is integral to the country’s ethos. Through this project, I learned that design could transcend scale and speak to the individual and to the nation, allowing distinct voices to coalesce into collective expressions of shared values.
How would you describe the relationship between design, health, and the environment?
There’s a profound connection between human health and environmental health; everyday interactions with nature can go a long way toward improving overall quality of life. For example, a task like replenishing a bird feeder in a communal garden can promote focus and mindfulness while fostering social connections. Witnessing nature’s generative power reminds us that resilience is at work. I’ve seen communities worldwide draw upon that power for inspiration.
My work aims to restore this relationship. Good design can encourage respect, responsibility, and reciprocity by providing people the opportunity, regardless of ability, to connect with nature on their own terms and in their own way. One example of this is Rockefeller Center’s Channel Gardens, which uses plants and water to create a place to pause—a momentary escape from our busy lives.
Can you share an example of a project where you achieved this?
An especially impactful one was a design I did for the Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center that highlighted how healing nature could be for individuals facing severe challenges, particularly those with HIV/AIDS. As I engaged with doctors, nurses, and patients, I realized that the challenge was not just the illness itself but also the psychological toll it took on everyone involved. Many felt stigmatized and isolated, working and living in an area of the facility called the Discrete Unit, which underscored their sense of vulnerability.
The project, then, became a means to address both physical and emotional needs. When I first visited the rooftop I was to work with, I was struck by its lifelessness, but I also found a sprouting avocado in a plastic pot—a symbol of hope amid despair. This inspired me to create a garden that would serve as a sanctuary for patients grappling with their health and identity. My approach followed the tradition of medieval monastery gardens, emphasizing that when knowledge cannot deliver a cure, we can look to nature for solace.
Once finished, the space offered the opportunity and choice for everyone to engage with nature however they preferred. And the gardening activities provided patients with a sense of empowerment, fostering resilience and allowing them to connect with both themselves and each other.
What practical advice do you have for those looking to bring nature into their homes?
Designing healing environments requires weaving in garden features that both stimulate the senses and encourage physical activity. You want to do so in an accessible way, though, so that individuals of all ages and abilities can engage with nature, promoting inclusivity and shared experiences. Additionally, when planning outdoor areas, make sure to honor the natural rhythms of the environment and your daily life alike. Doing so can deepen your connection to nature, ultimately enhancing your overall well-being.
For more info, visit naturedesignhealth.com