The internationally renowned landscape architect David Kamp, FASLA, has
written a personal narrative of his innovative and influential landscape
design philosophy and practice in Nature, Design, and Health. He traces
the first stirrings of his interest in nature and design to his
childhood in rural North Carolina. Kamp maintained his passion for
landscape through his architectural studies at the University of
Virginia, and these in turn helped prepare him for his first design
project, the landscape for Australia's grand new Parliament House
complex in Canberra (1980-1988).In the mid-1990s, at a pivotal time in
his personal life, Kamp volunteered to design one of the first gardens
created specifically for individuals with HIV/AIDS, the Joel Schnaper
Memorial Garden at the Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center in East
Harlem. The experience proved life-altering, and Kamp resolved to
dedicate his practice to exploring the intimate web of relationships
connecting design, nature, and modern healthcare.Throughout his career,
Kamp has sought to put people of all ages in touch with nature,
regardless of their capabilities--from children with autism spectrum
disorder to elders with cognitive and physical challenges. He has also
explored these ideas in the larger realm, where his plans have
revitalized schools, parks, and urban waterfronts. By putting personal
health on a continuum with environmental health, Kamp demonstrates that
design partnering with nature can lead to more vibrant, resilient, and
equitable communities.
