FIRST PRIZE WINNER!
Mitali M Mahashabde
India
Mitali M Mahashabde, a third-year Architecture and Planning student at Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur, discovered the Olfactory Garden Design Competition on social media. She seized the opportunity to participate in this prestigious international competition, aiming to design inclusive and sensory-rich environments. Her project, 'Blossoms in Braille Garden,' reflects her passion for accessibility, horticulture, and creative design.
Inspired by the idea of merging nature's beauty with inclusivity, Mitali aimed to create a garden that transcends visual barriers, inviting individuals of all abilities to explore and connect with the natural world through touch, scent, and sound. The garden, designed for The Sri Rakum School of Blinds in Bangalore, India, incorporates Braille labels, tactile pathways, and a diverse range of fragrant plants to provide an immersive and educational experience.
By winning first place in the competition, Mitali's achievement has fueled her passion for creating meaningful and inclusive spaces. She looks forward to further developing 'Blossoms in Braille Garden' and contributing to the field of accessible design and horticulture as she continues her academic journey.
Interview with the Winner
Can you describe your inspiration behind the design concept for the olfactory garden?
The inspiration behind my design was to weave together different aromatic elements to create a harmonious sensory experience, drawing from nature's diverse palette of fragrances to stimulate the senses, variety of textures to stimulate touch and introducing soothing sounds to stimulate hearing. Additionally, I was deeply influenced by the concept of inclusivity, ensuring that the garden's design caters to people of all abilities, including those with visual impairments, by incorporating tactile elements and Braille labels to enhance their interaction with the garden.
How did you approach the task of selecting plants and natural elements to create a diverse and engaging fragrance palette?
When selecting plants and natural elements for the olfactory garden-
-Firstly, I researched a wide range of aromatic plants, taking into account their blooming seasons, growth habits, and compatibility with the local climate and soil conditions.
-Next, I considered the arrangement and placement of these plants within the garden space. I created zones or "scent clusters" where complementary scents could mingle harmoniously, creating layered and complex fragrances. For example, pairing lavender with rosemary and mint creates a refreshing herbal bouquet, while jasmine and honeysuckle blend for a sweet floral aroma.
-I also incorporated natural elements such as water features, like a gently flowing stream or a small fountain, to add humidity and enhance the diffusion of scents.
-Additionally, I included textured pathways lined with fragrant herbs and flowers, allowing visitors to engage with the plants through touch as well as smell.
Overall, my approach was to curate a diverse yet cohesive fragrance palette that would engage all the senses, creating an immersive and memorable experience in the olfactory garden.
In what ways does your design aim to stimulate and engage visitors' sense of smell on a deep emotional level?
My design aims to stimulate and engage visitors' sense of smell on a deep emotional level by crafting a multi-sensory experience that triggers memories, evokes emotions, and fosters a profound connection with nature.
One key aspect is the strategic arrangement of aromatic plants and flowers in thematic clusters, each designed to elicit specific emotional responses. For instance, a "Calming Grove" may feature lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm, promoting relaxation and tranquillity, while a "Revitalizing Orchard" may blend citrus and mint for an invigorating experience.
Moreover, I incorporated elements like wind chimes, rustling grasses, flowing water to activate visitors' sense of hearing, synergizing with the scents to create a holistic sensory symphony. These auditory cues enhance the emotional impact of the garden, amplifying the overall sensory journey.
Lastly, I integrated interactive elements such as signages in braille, audio guides, allowing visitors to explore and learn about different aromas hands-on, further deepening their emotional engagement and understanding of scent diversity.
How did you ensure that your garden design seamlessly integrates with the surrounding environment? What considerations were taken into account?
Integrating the olfactory garden design seamlessly with the surrounding environment involved careful consideration of various factors to ensure harmony and cohesion such as
- Selecting plants that are native to the climate: I prioritized native and locally adapted plant species for the garden, ensuring they thrive in the existing soil and climate conditions. This not only promotes biodiversity but also fosters a natural and authentic ecosystem that seamlessly blends with the surrounding landscape.
- Sustainable Practices: Sustainability was a core aspect of the design, incorporating water-saving irrigation systems, eco-friendly materials, and organic gardening practices. These sustainable elements not only reduce environmental impact but also contribute to the garden's integration with the broader ecological context.
- Transitional Zones: To facilitate a smooth transition between the garden and its surroundings, I incorporated transitional zones featuring plants that bridge the gap between the garden and adjacent natural or built environments. This creates a gradual shift in vegetation and enhances visual continuity.
- Seasonal Variation: The design accounted for seasonal changes, ensuring that the garden remains visually appealing and integrated throughout the year. This involved selecting plants with staggered blooming periods, incorporating evergreen elements, and considering how different seasons would affect the garden's overall appearance.
Accessibility and inclusivity are important aspects of the project. How does your design cater to visitors of all ages and abilities?
Accessibility and inclusivity are indeed crucial aspects of the olfactory garden design, and my approach focused on creating a space that welcomes visitors of all ages and abilities. Here are several ways my design caters to inclusivity and accessibility:
-Tactile Pathways: I incorporated tactile pathways made of materials with varying textures, such as smooth stones, gravel, and textured pavers. These pathways are designed to guide visitors through the garden using tactile cues, aiding navigation for those with visual impairments and providing a sensory experience for everyone.
-Wheelchair-Friendly Design: The layout of the garden includes wide pathways with railings and ramps where necessary to ensure easy access for visitors using wheelchairs or mobility aids. Benches and seating areas are strategically placed along these pathways to provide resting spots for all visitors.
-Braille Labels: Every plant, feature, and point of interest within the garden is labelled in Braille and audio guides, accompanied by tactile markers for easy identification. This empowers visitors with visual impairments to independently explore and learn about the garden's flora and design elements.
-Sensory Stations: Throughout the garden, interactive sensory stations are set up to engage visitors of all ages and abilities. These stations offer hands-on experiences such as scent jars with different aromas, textured plant samples to touch, and audio guides providing descriptions of the garden's features.
-Multi-Sensory Experiences: The design prioritizes multi-sensory experiences by combining fragrant plants with auditory elements like wind chimes, rustling grasses, and gentle water features. This holistic approach ensures that visitors of varying sensory abilities can immerse themselves fully in the garden's ambiance.
By integrating these features and considerations, my design aims to create an inclusive and accessible environment where visitors of all ages and abilities can connect with nature, learn, and experience the beauty of the olfactory garden.
Can you elaborate on the educational value that your garden design offers? How do you plan to inform visitors about the various plants and their associated fragrances?
1.Interactive Signage: Throughout the garden, interactive signage boards are strategically placed near plant clusters. These signs not only provide information about each plant's botanical details but also describe its fragrance profile, therapeutic properties, and cultural significance. Visitors can engage with these signs by reading the information in multiple languages and braille representations of the plants.
2.Scent Stations: I've incorporated scent stations where visitors can experience and compare different fragrances firsthand. Each station contains scent jars with essential oils or dried botanical samples, allowing visitors to sniff and identify various aromas while reading accompanying descriptions in Braille and standard text.
3.Guided Tours and Workshops: As the garden is designed in the school of blinds campus, it offers guided tours led by knowledgeable educators who share insights into the garden's design, plant selection, and aromatic themes. These tours cater to different age groups and can be customized for school groups, families, or specialized audiences such as individuals with visual impairments.
4.Horticultural Programs: The garden hosts horticultural workshops and programs focused on topics such as plant propagation, herbal remedies, fragrance extraction techniques, and sensory gardening tips. These hands-on activities encourage active participation from the students of the school and empower visitors to apply their newfound knowledge at home or in educational settings.
5.Collaborations with Schools and Institutions: As the garden is designed for the Sri Rakum School of Blinds, partnering with school, botanical institutions, and sensory impairment organizations, the garden facilitates collaborative projects, research initiatives, and educational outreach programs. These partnerships expand the reach of educational resources and foster a community of lifelong learners.
Sustainability and maintenance are key factors in the long-term success of the garden. What sustainable practices have you incorporated into your design, and how do you plan to ensure the garden's upkeep?
Sustainability and maintenance are indeed crucial for the long-term success and vitality of the olfactory garden. Here's how I've incorporated sustainable practices into my design and my plan for ensuring the garden's upkeep:
1.Water Conservation: To minimize water usage, I've implemented a drip irrigation system that delivers water directly to plant roots, reducing evaporation and runoff. Rainwater harvesting systems collect and store rainwater for irrigation purposes, further decreasing reliance on municipal water sources. The water used in waterfall and the pond is filtered and circulated.
2.Native and Drought-Tolerant Plants: The garden primarily features native and drought-tolerant plant species that are well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. These plants require less water and maintenance compared to exotic species, promoting ecological balance and resilience.
3.Organic Gardening Practices: I advocate for organic gardening practices such as composting, mulching, and integrated pest management (IPM). Compost bins within the garden recycle organic waste into nutrient-rich soil amendments, while mulch conserves soil moisture and suppresses weed growth naturally. IPM techniques prioritize biological controls and beneficial insects to manage pests without relying on synthetic chemicals.
4.Sustainable Materials: The garden's infrastructure, including pathways, seating areas, and signage, is constructed using sustainable materials such as recycled wood, eco-friendly plastics, and permeable paving stones. These materials minimize environmental impact and contribute to the garden's aesthetic appeal.
How do you envision visitors experiencing the olfactory garden? Can you describe a visitor's journey through the space?
As visitors enter the olfactory garden, they are greeted by a gentle breeze carrying fragrant hints of lavender and rosemary, setting the tone for a sensory adventure. The entrance features a welcome area with information kiosks and interactive displays introducing the garden's themes and key attractions.
Moving along the visitors cross over a wooden bridge that makes a very unique woody sound as one passes through it, Visitors encounter the first sensory zone, the "Herbal Haven." Here, aromatic herbs such as mint, thyme, and basil release invigorating scents, inviting visitors to touch and smell the foliage. Braille labels and tactile markers provide information about each herb's culinary uses and therapeutic properties, engaging visitors of all abilities.
Continuing their journey, visitors enter the "Floral Symphony" section, where a vibrant tapestry of blooming flowers delights the senses. Roses, jasmine, and lilies perfume the air with their distinct fragrances, creating a harmonious blend of floral aromas. Benches nestled among the flower beds offer quiet spots for contemplation and appreciation of nature's beauty.
Further along the path, visitors encounter the "Fruit and Spice Orchard," where citrus trees, spicy herbs, and exotic fruits tantalize the senses. Lemons, oranges, and cinnamon evoke memories of sunny orchards and spice markets, while interactive scent stations allow visitors to explore and identify different fruity and spicy aromas.
As one moves forward, they are come across the water element inspired by Diana Memorial Fountain at Hyde Park, London, UK, where one can enjoy the feeling of flowing water through their foot.
The journey culminates in the "Serenity Garden," a tranquil oasis designed for relaxation and reflection. Here, aromatic shrubs like sage and eucalyptus provide a calming atmosphere, enhanced by the soothing sounds of a small water feature. Visitors can unwind on benches or meditation platforms near an artificial waterfall, immersing themselves in the garden's peaceful ambiance.
Kids are designated with a play area away from the relaxation seating area.
Throughout their experience, visitors are encouraged to engage with the garden using all their senses, from touching textured plant leaves, smelling variety of scents and tasting edible plants to listening to rustling foliage, flowing water and bird songs. Interpretive signage, audio guides, and guided tours enrich the experience by providing educational insights into the plants, fragrances, and ecological significance of the garden.
By the end of their journey, visitors leave the olfactory garden with not just memories of delightful scents but also a deeper appreciation for nature's diversity, the importance of sensory experiences, and the interconnectedness of humans and the environment.
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