Norwegian Outdoor Care Retreats:
Norwegian hospitals are adding woodland cabins to bring young patents into the woods. Near Oslo University Hospital, wood cabins have been built in the woods - a dedicated space outside the hospital, helping children to relax and find the strength to get through their treatments.
Maren Ostvold Lindheim (Child Psychologist, Oslo Hospital Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health) maintains "Being in nature gives them the feeling of possibility; they have more energy, more hope and creativity."
Situated in secluded parts of the forest, near creeks and rolling hills, the cabins are designed to receive young patients, their friends and families for treatment, support and contemplation.
A circular roof light allows for tree and star gazing. Large windows are thrown open so they can peek into the woods, smell the damp forest and listen to the sounds of trickling water while still being inside the cabin. According to their level of fitness, the children can also fish, chop wood, shoot arrows and paint pictures.
Bringing this idea into modern healthcare appears on the surface to be the antithesis of a hospital, yet nature is waiting out there to help us heal.
The cabins are designed by Snohetta and donated as a gift by the Friluftssykehuset Foundation.
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