Santiago, Chile
In collaboration with Katherine Heidecker Landscape Architecture
The new courtyard for the Psychiatric Center at Clínica Alemana is conceived as a therapeutic outdoor space, where architecture and landscape actively support processes of recovery, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.
Grounded in principles of biophilic design, the project integrates diverse vegetation, controlled natural light, warm material textures, and the continuous sound of water as key elements to reduce stress and anxiety. The courtyard is organized as a sequence of gentle paths, resting areas, and contemplative spaces, encouraging orientation, calm, and a multisensory connection with nature.
From a sustainability perspective, the design incorporates low-water-demand plant species, permeable surfaces, and passive environmental strategies that enhance thermal and spatial comfort. Natural tones—earthy hues, greens, and soft ochres—help create a serene and welcoming atmosphere, moving away from conventional clinical environments and placing emphasis on the healthy body, mindful movement, and healing through landscape.
The courtyard becomes an extension of the therapeutic process itself: a space where architecture, nature, and care converge to offer a dignified, human-centered, and restorative experience.
