Staff Research Profiles

My main research interest is in the restorative health benefits of natural and built environments. I currently have a key role in a 4-year study (2008-2012)for the Scottish Government with is exploring the relationship of green space to stress and well-being in people living in areas of high deprivation.

My PhD (2008) explored the effects of natural settings on psychological well-being and, in particular, the impact upon mood and personal development in adults and young people with good and poor mental health.

Employed in OPENspace since 2005 I have also contributed to five studies on (1) the benefits of natural environments to the health and well-being of young people; (2) a longintudional study exploring the contribution of woodland in and around towns (WIAT) to health in very deprived communities; (3) identifying barriers to disability access in the environment, (4) a study on wayfinding for the Vision Centre, Princess Alexandra Eye Hospital, Edinburgh, and (5) a study for the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) on health, well-being and quality of green space.

I am interested in health care settings and was previously employed as a Research Fellow in the School of Engineering, South Bank University, researching the effect of healthcare environments on patient well-being.

I have taught environmental design (Chelsea College of Art, Middlesex University, Napier University) and currently teach on the MA and BA landscape architecture programme at Edinburgh College of Art. Previously I have worked as a Principal Landscape Architect in a multi-disciplinary architectural practice in central London.

OPENspace

ESALA_eca, Landscape Architecture