**6. Jiyan healing garden**

The Jiyan Healing Garden is a treatment facility and therapeutic garden that was established by the Jiyan Foundation for Human Rights in Chamchamal, Iraq in 2016. The Jiyan Foundation began its work in 2005 by building rehabilitation centres throughout Kurdistan and Iraq for those who were survivors of torture. The healing garden is an animal-assisted trauma therapy centre for those who suffered at the hands of Saddam Hussein's regime and, more recently ISIS. Many children in Iraq suffer from problems associated with this trauma, including behavioural and speech disorders.

A crumbling public infrastructure, including the water and sanitation network, results from years of political unrest. The Jiyan Foundation for Human rights wanted to create a space that was self-sustaining and supported the surrounding environment. The team of architects worked in collaboration with BORDA (Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association) to create a decentralised wastewater system for the garden [40]. This was deemed necessary as the Kurdistan region continually suffers from a rainfall deficit and low groundwater levels. The decentralised wastewater treatment system taps into the sewage pipes that run under the facility and is able to clean 100 cubic meters of dirty water each day, enough water to provide the entire garden with water. The water system also processes animal and human waste, turning it into biogas used for heating the therapy rooms in the winter [41].

ZRS, the architects of the treatment facility and healing garden, wanted to create a space that represented trust, identity and well-being. The facility is an example of traditional and sustainable architecture. The buildings are constructed from local clay material that has been historically used in the area (**Figure 6**). The walls are built from the air-dried brick blended with the thin layer of earth-straw mix. The roof is also constructed from the thin earth straw mix. The earth materials have climate cooling properties that concrete and glass cannot provide. The earth keeps

**Figure 6.** *Illustration of the building's layout and materials used.*

#### *Therapeutic Landscapes: A Natural Weaving of Culture, Health and Land DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.99272*

the interior space cool during the hot summers and then keeps the interior dry and warm during the wet and sharp winter months [42].

The treatment facility is situated in a recreated traditional village environment typical to that in Chamchamal. In total, there are 11 individual dwellings that provide therapy rooms and quiet spaces that users can retreat to. A courtyard and shade device connect the dwellings together and allow access to the central healing garden and the animal pens. The garden and buildings create a unique space to heal and the garden is full and flourishing compared to the barren terrain of Chamchamal. Those at the facility participate in group-based garden therapy, which gives them a support network and a new way to overcome their ordeal [42]. The treatment facility also allows them to participate in group activities in the garden and direct therapeutic work in the huts. The technique they tend to use with the children is 'mud therapy'. The kids are encouraged to play outside in the garden and in the mud. They are prompted to get dirty and interact with the many animals before coming back inside for a discussion when they feel safe and comfortable and are often more willing to open up (**Figure 7**) [40].

A distinguishing feature of this therapeutic landscape is the animal-assisted therapy. Those who have been subject to trauma caused by acts of war, torture, violence, or displacement have strong feelings of vulnerability. They are often automatically and subconsciously drawn to the animals. They will try to get close to the animals to feel safe and comfortable. It is also said that the practice of petting, brushing, walking and caring for the animals helps give people something else to focus on, increases self-esteem and reduces feelings of anxiety, grief and isolation. The animals introduced to the Jiyan Healing Garden are a mixture of local animals that many would find in the area as well as exotic animals. Those who use the facility have been subject to generations of pent up trauma and psychological abuse and most are having to adjust to a new life away from their home and loved ones.

The Jiyan Healing Garden adopts place-making strategies and familiarisation through structured individual and communal activities making this space an internationally award winning 'therapeutic landscape'. The gardens provide relief and help to those who are suffering trauma from torture and acts of war and it gives the community access to adequate green space [40]. Green space that is inclusive and contains structured activities is crucial for creating stronger and resilient communities. This is the grounding essence of a therapeutic landscape.

**Figure 7.** *Outdoor spaces and access to interact with animals.*
