Cain_Natalie_ThesisBooklet

you were with me, and then you were gone.

Design Thesis Natalie Cain

1

Master Of Architecture Design Thesis: Semester 1 2021 Resolved Design Thesis Proposal 12 June 2021 Natalie Cain 758360

2

3

In memory of those who were born still.

May you live on in the hearts of those who love you.

4

5

Research Question

How can bodily engagement help a mother grieve a stillbirth?

The trauma associated with stillbirth differs significantly from traditional grief from child bereavement. After intense anticipation and excitement, parents are faced with the challenge of moving on without ever experiencing the live presence of their child.

Despite the fact that six babies die from stillbirth each day in Australia (Stillbirth Foundation Australia, 2021), there is still conflicting information as to how to approach the grief and healing process. This project will explore how and to what effect engagement of the body through physical activity helps in the healing process of a mother during different phases of her grief.

6

7

Art Space: Sculpture

Art Space: Painting

Site Plan

Lament Space

Boxing

Site Location : 475 Ridge Rd, Noojee, Victoria

The heavily forested site is located in Victoria’s Gippsland region, approximately 1hr30mins from Melbourne’s CBD. Derived from an indigenous word for ‘contentment’ or ‘place to rest’ (Great Forest National Park, 2021), the complex was deliberately situated in a quiet, isolated area that would allow women to grieve free from judgment, and to avoid triggering occurrences that may arise in a more urban setting.

Given the trauma experienced after the stillbirth, and the increased risk of developing PTSD, anxiety and depression (Gold et al., 2016), it was crucial that the master plan of the large site utilised design methods in an attempt to reduce this impact. The decision to base the design around the walking and running tracks was influenced heavily by Huberty et al., (2014) study of women who experienced stillbirth, which suggested that women who participated in physical activity reported significantly lower depressive symptoms. (For further explanation, please refer to page 106/8). Several activities that engage the body have been located around the site. The tracks to get to each activity have varying levels of difficulty, acknowledging that women will be in different stages of mental and physical strength.

Fire Pit

Garden House

Yoga & Meditation Space

Fruit Orchard

Stage 1 Individual Cabins

Stage 3 Communal Facilities

0

8

50m

Stage 2 Semi Private Accomodation

Staff Accomodation & Facilities

Site Plan 9

Site Arrangement

The arrangement of the site was inspired heavily by this gradient, representing the transition from closed to open, dark to light, private to public. As one moves further into the site, the forest increases in density, thus improving the privacy of the areas. It is hoped that towards the end of a woman’s stay, that she may be able to utilise the exposed, light areas of the site, and relate and engage with others.

10

11

Activities: Bodily Engagement When a mother experiences a traumatic event like a stillbirth, the body responds by “secreting stress hormones” (Van der Kolk, 2014, p. 217). Van der Kolk (2014) explains that these are released in order to provide the body with strength and endurance to respond to the traumatic experience, however, “helplessness and immobilization” (p.217) can prevent their utilization. These hormones that were initially secreted as a coping mechanism become detrimental to the person’s recovery as they continues to fuel inappropriate emergency responses.

These boxing areas provide a space for women to release their physical impulses, and confront their feelings of guilt, anger, frustration and helplessness in a private and tranquil space.

Boxing 12

13

Activities: Bodily Engagement

Boxing Distance: 350m one way, 700m circuit Grade: Moderate Terrain: Moderate hills Track: Mostly formed, some obstacles Rest Areas: Yes

Boxing Distance: 800m one way, 1.6km circuit Grade: Difficult Terrain: Moderate hills Track: Unformed, obstacles Rest Areas: No

The boxing areas are located deep within the site, surrounded by dense forest to allow women to release their emotions without feeling self conscious or judged. There are several ways for women to reach the boxing areas, one significantly more difficult and tiring than the other. On arrival to the boxing area, it may be beneficial for the woman to have taken the long, difficult and more private route, to engage with her anger and begin the process of releasing this anger.

However, following the boxing session, she may feel fatigued, and the shorter path with rest stops may be more appropriate.

14

15

Activities: Bodily Engagement

Through his research, Van der Kolk (2014, p.207) has found that yoga significantly “reduced the PTSD symptoms of patients”. He underlines the importance of teaching the traumatized person “how to breathe calmly and remain in a state of physical relaxation, even when accessing painful and horrifying memories”. (For further explanation, please refer to pages 102). Locating these areas within nature not only creates a tranquil and therapeutic environment (Bears of Hope, 2021), but also gives these women a broader perspective of the transitory nature of life.

Yoga & Meditation 16

Bar-Yitzchak (2002) explores the positive influence of art and dramatherapy when working with women who have experienced stillbirth. This process may be particularly targeted to women who are struggling with disassociation or “frozen embodiment” (BarYitzchak, 2002, p.11). Gentle movements of the body, and the process of visualizing the unresolved grief provides a non-verbal outlet for women who require a less physically challenging method of releasing their anger and frustration.

Art Therapy - Painting 17

Activities: Bodily Engagement

Orchard Distance: 300m one way, 600m circuit Grade: Easy Terrain: Flat, even surface Track: Mostly formed Rest Areas: Yes

18

Orchard Distance: 300m one way, 1.2km circuit Grade: Easy Terrain: Flat, even surface Track: Formed Rest Areas: Yes

Lament Space Distance: 1km one way, 2km circuit Grade: Difficult Terrain: Short, steep hills Track: Unformed, obstacles Rest Areas: No

Lament Space Distance: 400m one way, 800m circuit Grade: Easy to Moderate Terrain: Stepped path, steep hills Track: Formed Rest Areas: Yes

19

AA

Collaborated Site Plan

0

20

10m

Collaborated Site Section _AA 21

Entrance

22

23

Brief Stage 1

For those who need comfort and privacy - 5 x individual cabins - Bed, Bath, Lounge & Fireplace - Meals, washing & care provided

Stage 2

For those who need company and support - 9 x individual bedrooms within larger dwelling - Private Bed, Bath, Desk - Communal Lounge, Fireplace, Laundry, Kitchen - Meals, washing & care provided upon request

Stage 3

For those who need an ongoing community and support network - Communal Lounge, Wash facilities, Kitchen - Large outdoor fire-pit - Care provided upon request

Activities

For those who need to engage with their bodies - Walking and Running paths of different difficulties - Yoga & Meditation - Boxing - Art - Painting and Sculpture - Fruit orchard - Lament Space

24

25

Stage 1 Precedents: Submerged Architecture

M9 Memorial, Gonzalo Mardones V Architectos

The submerged nature of this memorial allows visitors to venture down to the space subtly from the ground plane. This concept is gentle, and appealing, although ramps can be difficult when dealing with smaller spaces.

26

Heldenberg Museum, Peter Ebner

I can appreciate the way this precedent weaves in and out of the terrain, capturing natural light and views in crucial moments. It appears one with the landscape and does not obstruct its surroundings.

27

Stage 1: Design Development

At this stage, I was able to identify the key requirements for the brief of this cabin, however as it stands, it is just a simple log cabin. I need to think about what it is that I am trying to create with this architecture. What is the ambiance, what are the materials, why have I chosen these, and how may this help the healing process of these bereaved mothers?

Submerged Bed Visual Access Care giving

Lounge

Bath Privacy

28

Fire (Hearth) After looking at the precedents, I began to start thinking about how this interacts with the site and the paths and how it gently bleeds from public path/area to private. Having particular components like the front window and the tall chimney allow carers to identify that the cabin is in use, and to ensure that this woman is checked on and provided with food, warmth, care and comfort.

29

Stage 1: Individual Cabin Design

Tucked away amongst the forest, these individual cabins offer warmth, comfort and privacy for women who wish to grieve alone in an area free of judgment. It is hoped that the healing and transitory elements of nature may help women to “accept the inescapable cycle of life and death and realise it’s not personal” (Hospice UK, 2018).

AA

0

30

5m

Stage 01 Ground Floor Plan 31

Stage 1: Individual Cabin Design

Submerged within the landscape, these inconspicuous cabins are ideal for women who are experiencing “temporary impairment of day to day function... and feelings of numbness” (Kirsting &Wagner, 2012), as staff provide both practical and emotional support when required. There are no kitchen or laundry facilities, as these women will be provided with food and service as needed. The aim is to release any burden that may be upon them during this difficult time in their life.

0

32

5m

Stage 01 Section _AA 33

Stage 1: Individual Cabin Design

Privacy Care

The stage 1 individual cabins are aimed to target women who feel that they need to be alone, and have private time to reflect on their reality.

According to Kirsting & Wagner (2012), this stage of grief will most likely affect those who have just recently experienced the loss of their baby, perhaps those who have just been discharged from hospital. In providing this form of privacy, care givers must have a way of knowing which private cabins are occupied and to know that the woman inside is okay. During the night in heavily forested areas, the cabins that are occupied will glow with light to allow carers to come to the visitor’s needs. This will be seen through a small window at the entrance to the cabin, that can be seen from the communal path. The carer may also identify the cabins through the smoke that is released from the chimney.

34

35

Stage 1: Individual Cabin Design

36

37

Staff Accommodation & Facilities

Given that many of the guests may still require medical assistance and care, overnight staff accommodation is required on site. Located closest to the individual cabins, the staff can easily tend to those choosing to isolate themselves within the natural environment. This building also contains the main kitchen and laundry facilities that are used to tend to the needs of the visitors.

AA

0

38

5m

Stage 01 Staff Ground Floor Plan 39

Staff Accommodation & Facilities

This building sits amongst the natural landscape, however, it remains in clear view of the individual cabins. Floor to ceiling windows into the kitchen and lounge area provide visual access for visitors should they wish to call upon one of the staff members. The bedrooms however are more private.

0

40

5m

Stage 01 Staff Section _AA 41

Staff Accommodation & Facilities

42

43

Stage 2: Precedents

Featherston House, Robin Boyd, Melbourne, 1967 Looking for inspiration, I referred to past Australian architect Robin Boyd. This shed like building was designed around a courtyard structure, with a strong sense of interconnected space.

Within the enclosed envelope, Boyd used a sort of layering technique within the envelope to create a smooth transition of space. They are bound together through shared sensory experience, dominated by visual and auditory connections.

By having these connected spaces, women can choose to enter a space with the full understanding and awareness of what is in front of them.

They may see or hear people talking, and choose to join them, or refrain from entering a situation that may seem too overwhelming for them at the time.

44

Seidler House, Harry and Penelope Seidler, Killara, 1967 Designed for their family, Seidler House follows a similar layout to Boyd’s Featherston House.

With a more solid, and brutalist enclosure, this building also follows a layered approach, with several sub-levels extending from the central hearth.

By creating several sub-levels, there is an increase in bodily engagement, whilst also creating more opportunities for interaction with other people, or the environment. There is not just one space for contact, there are many. It is about providing choice for women going through this difficult time, whilst allowing them to gently ease back into everyday interactions.

45

Stage 2: Together and Apart

Concept Plans

Concept Sections Unlike the Stage 1 Facilities, which cater for women who want complete privacy, the Stage 2 aims to provide both public and private spaces to cater for women who would appreciate a little more interaction with other guests. This concept map shows how individual rooms might be connected to one another around a central hearth. As the diagram progresses to the right, there is an increase in intersecting nodes that represent moments of encounter or interaction with others.

46

Whilst all rooms connect in a sensory way to the central hearth (e.g. sight, sound, smell, heat) I have aimed to create smaller, more intimate connections between rooms through balconies, and landings. This one on one interaction amongst guests may be more palatable compared with the central lounge area which may be overwhelming for some women in the early stages of their grief.

47

Stage 2: Bodily Engagement

The design of the site is heavily influenced by the walking tracks that aim to provide a space for women to engage with their bodies, and to look after their physical and mental health. However, it is important to continue this language into the interior of the building.

Exterior

Interior

The design acts as a translucent enclosure, blending the outside with the inside. However, a certain threshold is still created to establish a sense of warmth, comfort and safety whilst inside. Just as visitors follow the walking paths around the site and engage with their bodies, guests will be asked to climb small sets of stairs before reaching their bedroom.

The landings provide temporary relief for tired bodies, and an opportunity to interact with other guests. Van der Kolk (2014) discusses the importance of “sensations that rise to a peak and then fall” (p.273). This release, or sense of comfort may be experienced by the guest when they reach their bed after the climb up the stairs. Van der Kolk (2014) suggests that it is crucial to teach the transitory nature of experience (p. 274), and how our body and mind adapts and regains strength after a traumatic event. Although a seemingly small journey in itself, this may be crucial for a woman who is still struggling with more strenuous forms of physical activity.

48

49

Stage 2: Section Development

Like in the precedent studies, the fireplace forms the central hearth, creating a meeting place for all visitors to the building. The feeling of warmth aims to provide a sense of comfort for those to gather, share and support one another. Sensory connections are crucial to this building, as it connects its visitors under the translucent envelope.

Guests know that when they wish to engage with others, there are always opportunities and places to find people for support.

Hearth (Communal Fireplace)

50

51

Stage 2: Ground Floor Plan

AA

0

52

5m

Stage 02 Ground Floor Plan 53

Stage 2: First Floor Plan

AA

0

54

5m

Stage 02 First Floor Plan 55

Stage 2: Section

0

56

5m

Stage 02 Section_AA 57

Stage 2: Design

58

59

Stage 2: Design

The stairs and landings form a crucial part of the design, inviting visitors to truly engage with the architecture through bodily engagement. The landings also provide opportunities for smaller scale interaction and support which may be less intimidating for women as opposed to the large communal lounge. The translucency of the building ensures that visitors can always find someone to talk to, or engage with. Following a stillbirth, SANDS (2021) suggests that many women are in “desperate need ...for someone to understand their experiences”, and studies have found that sharing experiences with another mother who has gone through a stillbirth can have a positive impact on the grieving process.

Yet, should a visitor feel that they require privacy and solitude, they have the option to absent themselves from these communal areas, and take solace in their private bedroom.

60

61

Stage 3: Design Development

The key theme in this building is transparency. Acting as more of a shelter or a place to gather, this building aims to show the coming together of women in a communal environment. It is important that women in the early stages of their grief can see others come together and discuss their experiences. Thanks to the transparent nature of the structure, women who may be walking along the communal paths can see into the building, knowing that when they may need support, this will be a place of comfort.

The tent like aesthetic of the building allows the natural environment to penetrate in, creating a space of sanctuary, shelter and relaxation.

(Barocco & Wright, 2015)

62

63

Stage 3: Communal Facilities Plan

Simple in plan, this shelter accommodates for day visitors, who may be women who have stayed at the centre previously and have since returned home. Women in this position have access to all the facilities within the site, including the walking/ running tracks, the yoga/meditation, boxing areas and art facilities. A kitchen, wash facilities and a small lounge are provided to ensure that previous guests feel encouraged and welcome to return after their initial stay. The grieving process will not diminish once a visitor returns home and recommences their daily activities, and therefore it is important to provide ongoing support for these women as they continue their lives with the memory of their loss.

AA

Ultimately, the aim of this building is to provide an ongoing support network for women who have experienced a stillbirth. There may be an array of women at different stages of grief, who can offer support, guidance and counsel to others. Given that grief symptoms “usually decrease in intensity over the first 12 months” (Kirsting & Wagner, 2012), current guests who may be at an earlier stage of grief may find hope in seeing the development and progression of these women.

0

64

5m

Stage 03 Ground Floor Plan 65

Stage 3: Communal Facilities Section

This building aims to act as an envelope, blending the thresholds of inside /outside and public /private. Large, translucent doors can be slid open to bring the forest into the building, and encourage others to join and gather. A large, designated fire-pit is stationed just outside the enclosure, motivating women to come together around the warmth to share stories, and provide support to one another.

0

66

5m

Stage 03 Section _AA 67

Stage 3: Communal Facilities

68

69

Stage 3: Communal Facilities

The translucent materiality of the building aims to encapsulate its communal nature. Those who are inside can see out, and those who are outside can see in, expressing a certain truth and sincerity. This concept is reflected in the exposed steel structure. By revealing these elements, the architecture aims to depict the beauty of process, truth and vulnerability.

70

71

Master Of Architecture Design Thesis: Semester 1 2021 Sketch Design and Refined Thesis Proposal 08 May 2021 Natalie Cain 758360

72

73

Research Question

How can bodily engagement help a mother grieve after a stillbirth?

The trauma associated with stillbirth differs significantly from traditional grief from child bereavement. After intense anticipation and excitement, parents are faced with the challenge of moving on without ever experiencing the live presence of their child. Despite the fact that six babies die from stillbirth each day in Australia (Stillbirth Foundation Australia, 2021), there is still conflicting information as to how to approach the grief and healing process. This project will explore how and to what effect engagement of the body through physical activity helps in the healing process of a mother during different phases of her grief.

74

75

Feedback Reflection

Guest crit: Janet McGaw, Rory Hyde The biggest challenge I found in this presentation was condensing down all the research, concept, brief and design thinking into a short 7 minute presentation. The first question that I was asked was whether the research suggests that walking is beneficial. So much of my research has gone into how movement is beneficial to the treatment of trauma, however, on reflection, I did not really target this in my presentation. It is interesting presenting to people who have not followed the project, as it brings to light areas which are not clear to the outside observer. I have since dedicated more in depth research into the benefits of the walking paths in the journal to ensure that this is supported by evidence.

Rory asked the question whether it is beneficial to be detached from ‘daily life’ or whether the continuous nature of a ‘role’ is better. To this, I believe that it is case dependent, and that is why it is important to provide both overnight accommodation and services, as well as day time services for people who would prefer just to visit.

76

Janet disliked the staged approach to the facility - she suggested that this felt forced. Rather than making it a time based indicator, perhaps it could be visitor dependent. Some women may want privacy and hide away, however, other women may benefit from being closer to others and relying on them. This is an interesting point and definitely one to consider. I liked the time based approach initially because it meant that I could organise the accommodation and surrounding paths/facilities based on the physical strength of the woman after childbirth. However, perhaps providing women with the option is more appropriate.

In my presentation, I also failed to mention the staff quarters, and therefore did not indicate that there would be qualified nurses, cleaners, a cook and admin staff on the premises. This is something that I must mention in future.

Ultimately, I now need to work hard to find a stronger sense of architectural form and order for my project - perhaps a social order.

Moving forward, I think I am going to focus on how I can blend both the rectilinear lines of the cemetery, which provide consistency and safety, with the fluid and loose lines of the gardens which leave room for discovery and reflection. How can I start to think of this not just with regards to the paths, but also with the architecture?

77

Transition of Architecture

Stage 1

78

Stage 3

79

Stage 1: Immediate Stay rev B

Stage 1 is targeted to women who arrive straight after being discharged from hospital. According to Tedeschi and Calhoun in their work with bereaved parents, during this phase, mothers tend to feel paralyzed and unmotivated, unable to move, cook, buy groceries or complete any common daily activities. In stage 1, the mother is provided with an individual, private cabin that is nestled into the surrounding natural environment. The cabin is centred around the fireplace or ‘hearth’, which connects visually with the bed, bath and lounge areas. The aim of this stage is for mothers to be given space, time and privacy to grieve alone, in a non-judgmental and cozy space.

The layout has been arranged so that the visitor must walk next to the fireplace to reach each space. This will give her a boost of warmth for the journey, which may increase her feeling of bodily self.

80

81

Stage 1: Immediate Stay rev A

My priority in terms of design for the individual huts was to have them submerged into the landscape. I wanted the women who were staying here to feel as though they are in a secluded, private cabin, in which they are free to mourn in whichever way they like. As the front half of the site is quite flat, I thought it might be good to use stairs to slowly guide the visitor down into the space. Once in the room, the key features are the bed, the bath, the lounge and the fireplace, aimed at providing a cozy, safe and warm place for the mother who may feel low on energy and lost. I liked the idea of the sunken lounge, which brings the guest further down into the space. It was suggested that I go back a step and attempt to diagram these key features, as opposed to positioning them as if they are set.

I wanted the materiality to blend into the natural surroundings - dark timbers. I also wanted to provide soft furnishings like carpet to create softness and warmth for the mother in mourning. It was also suggested that I look at materials like rammed earth that would provide a similar effect.

82

83

Stage 2: Mid Term Ongoing Stay rev A

Stage 2 is available for women who feel that they need additional support before returning to daily life. Depending on the situation, women will physically recover at different stages post their birth, creating an array of client needs. In this accommodation, mothers are provided with individual bedrooms with bathrooms, in addition to communal facilities like kitchen, lounge and sun room. This allows for mothers to choose whether they still require solitude, or whether they would benefit from shared experience and engagement with others. According to SANDS (2021), one of the most effective support methods for grieving mothers is to engage with other bereaved parents, who are able to provide hope, understanding and empathy. Communal facilities allow for women to share their experiences in a less formal way to counseling.

At this point, I have decided that the mid term accommodation and communal facilities will bridge the gap between public/private, dense/ transparent, loud/quiet. It aims to provide women with the option to escape into the refuge of their private room, but also encourage interaction with others in the communal areas.

Key Areas - 10 individual self contained bedrooms with bed, bathroom, communal kitchen, communal laundry, communal dining, communal lounge.

84

85

Stage 3: Communal Facilities rev B

The communal facilities are accessible to all current and past visitors at all times. The key areas necessary for this space include the bath and wash facilities (for women who have visited and used the activity huts), the shared kitchen space, lounge and dining area, and the large outdoor fire-pit. All these areas are made to encourage interaction between guests, and can be unfolded to create one large, open plan area.

Unlike the solidness of the stage 1 facilities, this area intends to be light filled and transparent, encouraging visitors to engage with others in the communal areas to share stories and offer support to one another.

The detailing is fine and intricate, suggesting that there is beauty and strength in fragility. The central fire-pit aims to draw people together through its warmth, and bring about conversation amongst guests. It is viewable from all areas of the building due to the transparency, to allow women to see and hear others congregating and to encourage a welcoming atmosphere.

86

87

Stage 3: Communal Facilities rev A

I started to think about how I wanted the Communal Facilities to look, feel and appear. Essentially, I want the building to be largely transparent, to show how women who have experienced stillbirth can come together and support each other. As SANDS (2021) suggests, it is lived experience that provides “real hope, understanding and empathy” for those struggling with trauma from stillbirth. I therefore want the building to be lightweight and open, with large clear doors that can open and create an indoor outdoor space. Apart from the necessary bath and wash facilities, the building should be largely open plan, to allow for cross pollination of people, stories and support networks. A large communal dining table to encourage discussion is essential as women are encouraged to share food together. This building should be lit up and viewable from far away, encouraging women to use the space.

Therefore, the building should not be surrounded by tall trees and forested areas like other parts of the site, there should be landscaped planting that allows the building to blend in without engulfing it.

After discussion in class, I was asked to take a step back from the design intricacies (furniture etc) and think more about how I wanted the building to sit in the site, and respond to the visitors.

88

89

Site Plan rev C

d Meditation

r Lament Stage 1 Short Term Immediate Stay Yoga and Meditation Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and Meditation

Space for Lament

Space for Lament

Space for Lament

Shelter and Activity Stage 1 Short Term Immediate Stage 1 Stay Short Term Immediate

Stage 1 Short Term Immediate Stay

dio: Painting

Stay

Shelter and Activity

dio: Sculpture

FireFire Pit Pit Art Studio: Painting

Art Studio: Painting

Art Studio: Painting

House Art Studio: Sculpture

Art Studio: Sculpture Garden House

Shelter and Activity

Shelter and Activity

Stage 2 Mid Term Ongoing Stay

Fire Pit

Stage 2 Mid Term Ongoing Stay

Art Studio: Sculpture

Stage 2

Mid Term Ongoing Stage 2 Stay Mid Term Ongoing Stay Pathways

Garden House

Garden House Boxing

Orchard

Boxing Garden Orchard

Orchard

Pathways

Boxing

Pathways Garden Orchard

Garden Orchard

Garden Orchard

Pathways

Stage 3 Long Term Stage 3Communal Facilities Long Term and Garden

Garden Orchard

Communal Facilities and Garden

Garden Orchard

Stage 3 Long Term Communal Facilities and Garden

Stage 3 Long Term Communal Facilities Landscape Landscape and Garden Landscape

0

0

90

100m

100m

0

100m

91

Site Analysis rev C

92

Looped pathways

Landscape

All pathways

Site Layout 93

Walking path tracks: Lament Space rev C

Lament Space Distance: 1km one way, 2km circuit Grade: Difficult Terrain: Short, steep hills Track: Unformed, obstacles Rest Areas: No 94

Lament Space Distance: 400m one way, 800m circuit Grade: Easy to Moderate Terrain: Stepped path, steep hills Track: Formed Rest Areas: Yes 95

Walking path tracks: Lament Space rev C

Van der Kolk (2014) talks about the benefits of humming, chanting, and swaying and how they can help bring “vitality” (p. 214) back to traumatized people. This physical process has been utilized for centuries across the world, as documented in Simon’s 2017 exhibition - An Occupation of Loss.

She draws on Freud’s theory of the ‘work of grief’ which encourages mourners to “overtly express highly distressing emotions” (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2003, p.18) through sound and movement. The rocking motion initiates parasympathetic functions (Fritz et al., 1999, p.163), decreasing heart rate, and relaxing the body and mind (Van der Kolk, 2014, p77). This would therefore contrast well with the build up of muscle sensation from the strenuous walk to the area.

96

The following example is the path to the space for lament. Positioned at the periphery of the site, this area is secluded and private, to allow women to release their grief in any way they deem necessary. The pathway to the lament space is long and windy, deliberately aimed to physically challenge the women who may be struggling with anger and frustration. The track is unformed with obstacles, and there are short, steep hills in the terrain. As the sensations of her body rise to a peak (Van der Kolk, 2014), the aim of the lament space is to provide a place to release and rest.

After this build up and release, the mother may feel exhausted, and require a less challenging walk back. Therefore, I have provided a more direct, straight and stepped pathway back to the accommodation with an array of areas for rest. This methodology has been used with other activity centres on the site, ensuring that the pathways are linked to the physical foundations of the site, as well as the emotional progress of the visitors.

97

Walking path tracks: Boxing rev C

Boxing Distance: 800m one way, 1.6km circuit Grade: Difficult Terrain: Moderate hills Track: Unformed, obstacles Rest Areas: No 98

Boxing Distance: 350m one way, 700m circuit Grade: Moderate Terrain: Moderate hills Track: Mostly formed, some obstacles Rest Areas: Yes 99

Walking path tracks: Yoga and Meditation rev C

Yoga and Meditation Distance: 200m one way, 400m circuit Grade: Easy Terrain: Flat, even surface Track: Formed Rest Areas: Yes 100

Yoga and Meditation Distance: 300m one way, 600m circuit Grade: Easy Terrain: Flat, even surface Track: Formed Rest Areas: Yes 101

Walking path tracks: Yoga and Meditation rev C

The yoga and meditation activity huts have been positioned close to the stage 1 accommodation for women arriving from the hospital. The track is well formed, and maintains a flat and even surface for the entirety of the trip, making the journey accessible for women still experiencing the physical trauma of the birth. Alternatively, she may choose to walk a loop around the yoga huts without actually engaging with the practice.

A slightly longer walk, however, several rest stops have been provided along the pathway.

“Awareness that all experience is transitory changes your perspective” (Van der Kolk, 2014, p.274)

Van der Kolk (2014) talks about the benefits of yoga practice on trauma victims and how success does not come from the sophistication or mastery of the movement. The emphasis is based on helping “participants notice which muscles are active at different times... and creating a rhythm between tension and relaxation” (p. 270), encouraging this notion of release.

For those who do engage with the yoga class, this may help them to notice a part of the body that is holding emotional trauma or “experience, and just let it go” (p. 276). However, for those who feel they are not yet ready for the yoga class, the walking tracks have also been designed with this theory in mind.

Rest stops have been provided along the path to allow women who perhaps are not as physically strong to increase their heart rate and muscle engagement to a point, and then relax on the bench. This aims to mirror the ideas of the rise and fall of sensations in yoga practices.

102

103

Walking path tracks: Orchard rev C

Orchard Distance: 300m one way, 600m circuit Grade: Easy Terrain: Flat, even surface Track: Mostly formed Rest Areas: Yes 104

Orchard Distance: 300m one way, 600m circuit Grade: Easy Terrain: Flat, even surface Track: Formed Rest Areas: Yes 105

The Importance of Walking: Privacy

In their study exploring women’s beliefs about physical activity after stillbirth, Huberty et al. (2014) explored the reasons why a woman may refrain from physical activity, despite knowing the benefits.

The study concluded that many women preferred to stay inside rather than risking the prospect of seeing other babies in public areas. It was also noted that women did not want to run into anyone who asked them about their pregnant body or questions about the stillbirth. It was concluded that designated and targeted support was necessary for these women, who require “private places to be active... [with] physical activity specialists who have experience working with bereaved parents” (p.6).

In addition, women involved in the study reported that “physical activity was important to them to work through grief and to spend quiet time for themselves” (p.7). Physical activity can be an important time for women to reflect and overcome symptoms of their grief.

106

In my design, it is important to incorporate designated activities like yoga and meditation, that can be run by trained professionals who can target the practice to the needs of the individual. However, based on this research, private reflection may also be beneficial. By situating the yoga areas around the site, the visitor will have time for private reflection when she walks to and from her class.

107

The Importance of Walking

According to Gold et al., (2016), women who experience stillbirth are seven times more likely to have PTSD, four times more likely to be diagnosed with depression, and twice as likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder compared with non bereaved mothers. Huberty, Leiferman, Gold et al.

(2014) conducted a study of 175 women who had experienced stillbirth and the effects of physical activity on their depressive symptoms. The results concluded that those who participated in physical activity reported significantly lower depressive symptoms compared to women who did not participate in any form of physical activity.

Physiologically, a woman’s body may suffer from the effects of child bearing for up to a year postpartum (MaterMothers, n.d).

Therefore, providing walking tracks of different difficulties ensures that all women of different physical strengths may benefit from the effects that physical activity has on the treatment of trauma.

108

In The Body Keeps the Score, Van Der Kolk (2014) hypothesizes that physical movement can help treat emotional trauma. Through his work, he aims to “change the patient’s physiology, his or her relationship to bodily sensations” (p.72) to allow them to reengage with their life.

Trauma victims cannot begin to recover until they “become familiar and befriend the sensations in their bodies” (p. 100). For women who have carried a child, they must learn to adjust to the changing nature of their body now that the child is gone. Some women who experience stillbirth feel paralyzed and dissociated with their bodies (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004, p. 8), as they struggle to live in their unwanted reality - the present without their baby. Neuroscience research has shown that “moment to moment self awareness is based primarily in physical sensations” (Van Der Kolk, 2014, p.236), meaning that moving the body and noticing the breath may help to regain this awareness.

Other women may experience the feeling of helplessness, which Van der Kolk (2014) claims “is stored as muscle tension... in the head, back and limbs” (p. 264). Loosening up the tension of the muscles through walking and other forms of exercise may help to alleviate this feeling.

Finally, walking at different speeds and intensities increases the heart rate and forces the bereaved mother to engage with her breath, giving her a stronger sense of embodiment. On the difficult walking tracks, the mother learns that the sensation of fatigue rises to a peak and then falls when she reaches the destination and can rest. She can “notice the connection between [her] emotions and [her] body” underlining Van der Kolk’s theory that “cultivating sensory awareness [can be] such a critical aspect of trauma recovery” (p. 273).

109

Precedent: Solbjerg Park Cemetery

This Copenhagen cemetery uses a grid like pattern to organize the pathway around the graveyards. Each ‘block’ is approximately 75m x 150m but each block differs slightly.

This grid system allows for easy navigation amongst the graves, making it effortless for people to find the grave they are looking for. Perhaps this unchallenging form of navigation could be helpful for the women in the early stages of grief to find the counseling areas, yoga/meditation areas, and the garden.

0

110

200m

111

Precedent: Melbourne Botanical Gardens

Melbourne Botanical Gardens are separated into large segments of grassed areas. It seems that the vegetation is largely placed around the edges of the paths. There are also trees and plants interlaced within the grassed areas. Amongst the large paths, there are smaller paths, that allow visitors to walk around key area e.g. a cactus garden.

0

112

100m

Having experienced walking through these gardens, I find it interesting that I often get lost within them. Is this a deliberate planning tool? Could this be a positive effect of landscaping when dealing with trauma?

Yes, I think so, however, I also think it could be confronting and distressing for others.

Designing a combination of the two will be necessary in my site to accommodate for different personalities and people at different stages of grief.

113

Precedent: Singapore Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens in Singapore is 82,000m2 in area, which provides a good comparison to the site chosen in Noojee. Although similar in size, this site is long and skinny, whereas the Noojee site is much more evenly spaced.

Unlike the other precedents, there are many more paths defining these gardens. Perhaps this is due to the size of the site, however, I also believe that even just by viewing this plan, one can see that it is designed for pedestrians.

In organization, it is very organic and meandering, with very few straight lines.

In many instances across the site, there is a larger encompassing path, with smaller intersecting paths within it. This could provide options for people to extend their walk, or alternatively cut it short. It could incorporate spaces to rest or to slow down.

Although I do not want my site to be so dominated by paths, it does show how a site can be segmented into different areas to create an entirely independent network within. According to people online who have visited, the general consensus is that it will take 2-3 hours to walk through the whole gardens, however you also hear people saying only an hour or a whole day. This reinforces the differences in speed, reflection, entertainment and concentration spans of people which will also be relevant to my design. Designing for diversity is important, indeed, designing to provide women with autonomy is also important. Choice will be essential to my design.

0

114

200m

115

Precedent: Frederiksberg Have Gardens

These landscaped gardens in Copenhagen are much more organically planned. There are vast expanses of grass that frame the grand Frederiksberg Palace. It reminds me of how large areas of grass were often seen as a sign of wealth as one did not have to farm on it. Whilst I am focusing heavily on the privacy and the solitude that comes with the forest, perhaps there is basis for a clearing in the design. Perhaps it could signify the more developed journey through the healing process. It could be appropriate for the ongoing access facilities.

0

116

100m

117

Precedent: Solbjerg Park Cemetery Redesign

(MASU Planning, 2021)

(MASU Planning, 2021)

This precedent is particularly interesting as MASU Planning has been commissioned to redesign the cemetery into a park. It aims to use a few “strong interventions [to] support an experience of peace and reflection” (MASU Planning, 2021). The design prioritizes an organically shaped ‘meandering’ path that works in contrast with the straight, grid lines of the existing layout. The aim is for the area to be seen as a ‘contiguous space’. Ultimately, the park is to become more varied and spontaneous, to encourage exploration. They also increase the planting towards the exterior of the site, to increase the privacy and natural ambiance.

This proposal must bring into question why the Copenhagen government feel the need to redesign this cemetery. Evidently, whilst there are practical reasons as to why grid like structure would be beneficial, this layout lacks community spirit and the ability to wander, reflect and mourn. With this in mind, I will aim to blend the two layouts, with priority given to the organic. I believe this would work much better with my ethos.

(MASU Planning, 2021) 118

119

Pathway Overlays I began looking at mapping precedents and how they could help me determine a logic to my pathways. The cemetery provided people with consistency, as people who were grieving chose an unchallenging route to mourn the death of their loved one. However, the windy, fluid paths of the gardens encouraged reflection, and engaged more heavily with the physical body and the breath. I began to overlay these paths and decided that a combination of the two types would be most beneficial for my site, where women who are arriving straight from hospital may benefit from a straight unchallenging path, whereas a woman filled with anger and resentment may benefit from a longer, more challenging route where she can release her built up energy. As the paths move away from the road, they tend to become less traveled, less accessible, and less obvious.

Copenhagen Cemetery x Melbourne Botanical Gardens

Copenhagen Cemetery x Singapore Botanical Gardens

120

Copenhagen Cemetery

Melbourne Botanical Gardens

Frederiksberg Have Gardens

Singapore Botanical Gardens

121

Site Plan Diagrams: Organization rev B

Yoga and Meditation Stage 1 Short Term Immediate Stay

Space for Lament

Art Studios - Painting Fire Pit

Stage 2 Mid Term Ongoing Stay

e Ridg

Roa

d

Art Studios - Sculpture

Boxing

Orchard/ Food Garden

Stage 3 Long Term Communal Facilities and Garden

Community Kitchen

Garden House 0

122

100m 123

Site Plan Diagrams: Mapping rev B

124

125

Site Plan Diagrams: Journey Mapping rev B

Here, I have started to think about how the community garden may connect with the other facilities.

Possible Narrative Woman in Short Term Immediate Stay 1. Reflection in self contained cabin 2. Gentle walk in nature 3. Walk past open fire pit (warmth, smell) 4. Walk past berry bushes (pick, eat, smell, carry) 5. Walk past apple orchard (pick, eat, smell, carry) 6. Smell the baking from communal kitchen (e.g. apple pie) 7. If desired, drop off collected fruit at kitchen 8. If desired, join in baking / discussion 9. Walk past women sharing stories 10. If desired, join in to discussion 11. Walk back to comfort of self contained cabin

126

127

Site Plan Diagrams: Walking tracks rev B

The process of journeying through the site is as important as the activities themselves, whilst providing choice for different women’s emotional and physical strength. Here, I have highlighted a process diagram to show how, and in what way a woman may travel through from one of the Stage 1 Individual cabins to the orchard and the back again. It is important to consider that a woman staying here might be in physical discomfort given the recent birth, therefore the paths are very straight and safe. There is no ambiguity along the path, and allows for an unchallenging walk to a different area of the site. On this journey, the woman will walk past the Stage 2 building, allowing her to see where other women in her position have progressed to. She will smell the scents of the baked goods in the communal kitchen, and feel the warmth of the fire as she walks past. It is hoped that by noticing these things, the woman will feel safe to engage with the activities and with other visitors when she feels that she is ready.

128

129

Site Plan Diagrams: Walking tracks rev B

The therapy areas involve two stages - the activity and the journey.

Drawing on the research of Van der Kolk, I want the pathway to the boxing and lament space to be difficult and engage the muscles and breath. The undefined pathways will require women to push past shrubs and foliage. This build up of bodily sensation will continue to rise until she reaches the destination, where she may stop to rest, or continue to exert herself physically. The aim is to encourage tension and exhaustion within the body and mind. Women may notice a connection between the two, and release this tension through boxing or indeed her voice as she laments in the privacy of the forest.

Boxing - Short

Boxing - Long

Space for Lament - Short

Space for Lament - Long

There is an alternate, shorter route back to the residential areas, which may be more appropriate for the return journey. After this release of tension, she may benefit from a gentle and relaxing stroll, allowing for reflection.

130

131

Site Plan Diagrams: Walking tracks and layout rev A I have positioned the Residential and Shelter areas towards the road access as I believe that this should be easily accessible for women who arrive to the centre. It is also important to note that there is less tree coverage in these areas, meaning that there will be less deforestation occurring to build these facilities. As you move towards the west of the site, the forest becomes increasingly dense, and therefore more appropriate for smaller scale activity areas. It also relates to the additions of the pathways which filter through the forest area, allowing women to experience the landscape and their bodies.

Residential and shelter areas

Activity Areas 132

Site Layout 133

Site Plan Diagrams: Overlays rev A

This diagram shows the culmination of the overlays of the site plan. It is important for me to consider how all these different things interact and how the planning can aid the healing process of women.

Moving forward, I think I need to start putting more detail into the paths, and indeed the journey patterns of the potential visitors at different stages of their stay. How can the walking paths target particular women and their needs in relation to their emotional and physical health and expectations? How can time, emotion and physical exertion affect this healing process?

134

135

Site Plan Diagrams

136

Rugged path leading to activity area

Rugged path leading to quiet seat - dead ends

Easy, stepped path

- Journey to a destination

- Journey leading to nowhere

- Less tiring stepped path

- Physical and emotional challenge

- Area to pause and reflect

- Areas to stop and rest on the way

- Steep decline

- Steep decline

- Physically less challenging

- Engaging muscles, breath

- Engaging muscles, breath

- Still requires concentration

- Requires concentration

- Requires concentration

- Moment to moment self awareness

- Moment to moment self awareness

137

Extrapolated Brief Mid Term Ongoing Stay

Short term Immediate Stay

- 3 months

1-2 weeks

Accommodation Facilities - 5 x individual cabins

- double bed

- bathroom (bath, shower, toilet, basin)

- couch

- cupboard for clothing

- internal fireplace?

- (food, laundry and healthcare provided) Staff and Facilities for Immediate Stay - 1 x healthcare worker (nurse) at all times

- staff area for healthcare nurse

- 2 shifts (day and night), no bedding services - 1 x psychologist/ counselor during day time hours

- counseling is conducted in the individual cabin - 2 x support workers who cook, wash, care for visitors

- Kitchen area for food preparation

- Laundry area for washing

- (Workers use communal facilities)

Individual Accommodation Facilities - 15 x individual rooms

- double bed

- bathroom (bath, shower, toilet, basin)

- cupboard for clothing

-(food, laundry provided upon request) Communal Accommodation Facilities

- kitchen

- dining area

- lounge with fireplace

- external fire-pit with seating

- laundry

- 2 x counseling areas (x2), (x6) people Staff and Facilities for Mid term Stay - 1 x administrative staff at all times

- staff area for admin staff

- 2 shifts (day and night), no bedding services - 2 x psychologist/ counselor during day time hours

- counseling is conducted in counseling areas or outside (whilst walking, at therapy huts)

Long Term Communal Access facilities Open Access Communal Facilities - 1 x open plan meeting room

- lounge area

- toilet and shower facilities

- large table and chairs

- kitchenette facilities for tea/coffee etc.

- 1 x counseling area (x20) people Activity Areas - undercover

- yoga/meditation studio (x2), (x2), (x10) people

- sculpture studio (10) people

- art studio - (2 x pottery wheel, clay)

- place for lament Activity Areas - external

- boxing area (3 hung boxing bags, mitts, gloves)

- painting area (sheets hung on across the trees)

- community garden (food and flowers)

- walking/ running paths External Storage in Forest

- Boxing bags, mitts, gloves

- Paint, brushes, water, sink

138

139

Site Contours

508

140

Ridge R

d

537

The site itself is relatively flat towards the road, however begins to fall towards the west. The steepest area is located at the north west of the site, which leads me to consider locating activities that will suit women who are in stronger physical health. For example, I may place the space for lament in this area, to entice women who are willing to release their anger/jealousy etc, through physical exhaustion. It is also crucial that this area is private, and covered by forest, to provide privacy. This sort of terrain requires intense muscle engagement, concentration and strong connection with the breath. As Van Der Kolk (2014) suggests, traumatized victims often find it hard to live in the present, however “moment to moment self awareness, [he explains, is] based primarily in physical sensations” (p. 236). By providing a path on a difficult terrain, visitors will be forced to deal with the present physical challenge, and therefore allowing them to live in the moment with their body and their breath.

141

Master Of Architecture Design Thesis: Semester 1 2021 Concept Design and Refined Thesis Proposal 17 April 2021 Natalie Cain 758360

142

143

Trauma of Stillbirth

7 times more likely to experience PTSD

4 times more likely to experience depression (MaterMothers, 2021)

“You’re left grasping at something permanently just out of reach, that might have been, that should have been, that wasn’t.”

(Hughes, 2012)

144

145

Site Context

Ridge R

d

250m

350m

475 Ridge Road, Noojee 0 146

100m 147

Noojee, Victoria

“Being connected with nature makes you accept the inescapable cycle of life and death and realise it’s not personal. And slowly you come to live happily with the rhythm.” Sarah, Bereaved mother of prenatal fatality

(Hospice UK, 2021)

148

I have chosen to position my site in Noojee, which is situated in Victoria’s Gippsland region approximately 1 and a half hours away from Melbourne. Derived from an indigenous word for ‘contentment or place to rest’ (Great Forest National Park, 2021), Noojee is a heavily forested area, predominantly with native mountain ash and eucalypts. Situating the complex in an isolated area ensures that women are free to mourn and heal in a safe environment, free of judgment or expectation. It also gives women a chance to heal whilst avoiding triggering occurrences that may occur in a more urban context (Huberty et al., 2014).

149

Understanding Client Needs

Within the site, the complex includes residential accommodation, communal facilities for past visitors, as well as areas for bodily engagement.

This notion acknowledges the different phases of the healing and grieving process for mothers, whilst accepting that this process will be different for each visitor. To simplify, the accommodation and communal facilities will be broken down into 3 categories.

The first stage for women is the short-term immediate accommodation, straight after women are discharged from hospital. Following the event, women are likely to experience physical discomfort and pain as a result of the birth including heavy blood flow, after-pains and painful engorgement of their breasts. According to Tedeschi & Calhoun (2003) in their work with bereaved parents, during this phase, mothers tend to feel paralyzed and unmotivated, unable to move, cook, buy groceries or complete any common daily activities. During this phase, a mother is provided with an individual, private cabin amongst the natural environment, with a bedroom and bathroom. Meals and any washing services are provided, with a healthcare nurse available on call to aid with their physical recovery. At the end of the week, some mothers may choose to return home, however others may require further support at the complex.

The second stage is the mid term accommodation for women who feel they require additional support before returning to daily life. Depending on the situation, women will physically recover at different stages post their birth, creating an array of client needs. In this accommodation, mothers are provided with individual bedrooms with bathrooms, in addition to communal facilities like kitchen, lounge and sun room. This allows for mothers to choose whether they still require solitude, or whether they would benefit from shared experience and engagement with others. According to SANDS (n.d), one of the most effective support methods for grieving mothers is to engage with other bereaved parents, who are able to provide hope, understanding and empathy. Communal facilities allow for women to share their experiences in a less formal way to counseling. During this phase, each woman will be paired with a mentor, who will help encourage the use of the facilities for bodily engagement. I will discuss the mentor in further detail in the next phase.

The final stage is the long term communal facilities. These are accessible to all current and past visitors at all times. It contains a communal lounge area, communal therapy rooms, in addition to the array of physical activity therapy huts that are dispersed around the site.

150

151

Understanding Client Needs

16 x individual rooms with some communal facilities

5 x individual cabins

Indoor and Outdoor Communal facilities available at all times Reflection and community

Bodily Engagement

Mentor Program

Ongoing Access - 2 years

Communal facilities

Bodily Engagement

Healing of physical body

3 months

Food, healthcare provided

Physical healing

Straight from hospital

1-2 week 152

Long Term Communal Access facilities

Mid Term Ongoing Stay

Short term Immediate Stay

153

Stages of Grief

2 po yea st rs pa rt um

1 po yea st r pa rt um

6 po Mo st nt pa hs rt um

This staged approach follows this notion that “grief symptoms usually decrease in intensity over the first 12 months and tend to decline over a period of 2 years after the pregnancy loss” (Kersting & Wagner, 2012).

I acknowledge that the grief process is nonlinear and may differ for different people depending on other contributing factors, however, this process tends to follow a similar pattern. By no means is the grief process complete after 2 years, however, some women feel that becoming a mentor is a practical way of the ongoing healing process, as they help another in their journey.

Time since stillbirth

Delayed Grief

154

Diagram - (Kersting & Wagner, 2012) and (Janssen, Cuisinier & Hoogduin, 1996) 155

Mentor Program

1 -2 weeks

Up to 3 months

Ongoing

Huberty et al. (2014) suggests that mentoring system should not solely relate to conversation. Therefore, after 2 years a past visitor is asked whether they want to be a mentor for another woman who is in their stage 2 process.

Short term Immediate Stay

“using a role model/social support approach to promote physical activity could be a viable way to help women who have experienced loss adopt and maintain physical activity participation” (Huberty et al., 2014, p. 7)

156

Long Term Communal Access facilities

Mid Term Ongoing Stay

Mentor Program

157

Trauma Therapy

Following the trauma of stillbirth, women experience an array of emotions. From what I have read, it generally follows a pattern of initial disassociation and numbness, followed by frustration anger, and guilt, and finally into memorialisation and acceptance (Tedeshci & Calhoun, 2003). Bessell Van De Kolk’s (2014) The Body Keeps the Score tells us that when people re-experience trauma in the form of PTSD, the emotional brain manifests itself in physical reactions. He suggests that by connecting with the body once again, you are able to re-establish control over these reactions, and learn to cope with the events of the past. Understanding that women will need different forms of physical activity at different stages of their healing process is central to this design. Providing women with options as to how they will memorialize their intense emotions through bodily engagement respects the unpredictability of grief and mourning. I have chosen to focus on physical exercise, art and dramatherapy and the natural environment as three ways to engage with this idea.

158

159

Trauma Therapy Disassociation Stage 1

Hopelessness

Yoga and Meditation

Boxing

Stage 2

Gardening - clearing

Running off track

Sculpture Therapy

Memorial Stage 3

Acceptance

Gardening planting

Communal Healing

Yoga and Meditation

Communal Healing

Space for lament

Anger Guilt

Space for lament

Walking

Numbness

Frustration

Sculpture Therapy

Gardening - planting

Communal healing

Walking

Yoga and Meditation

Walking

Space for lament

Running

Mentoring 160

161

Bodily Engagement

Disassociation

Numbness

Hopelessness

Anger

Guilt

Frustration

Memorialisation

Acceptance

Mentoring

Running offtrack

Yoga and Meditation Studios

Gardening clearing

Walking paths Gardening planting

Sculpture Therapy

Painting Therapy

Boxing

Space for lament

(society6, n.d.)

162

163

Site Arrangement

Ridg

ad e Ro

The accommodation facilities all exist near the entrance to the site, by the road. The facilities are all connected by pathways that differ from clear open and manicured paths to thick scrub donkey tracks. As you walk away from the road, the forest becomes denser and unmanicured, creating private space for outlets of emotional response. The pathway design aims to accommodate for women at different stages of grief. For example, the boxing area which may be beneficial for women who are experiencing anger and frustration requires women to walk through thick bushland, where they can feel free to release their emotions.

However, the routes to the meditation and yoga areas from the shortterm accommodation are clean and wide, accommodating for women who are still healing from their birthing experience.

Accommodation and Facilities

0

100m

Therapy Activity Areas

164

165

Site Arrangement

Space for Lament Yoga and Meditation

Stage 1 Short Term Immediate Stay

Art Studios - Sculpting Stage 2 Mid Term Ongoing Stay

Boxing

Garden

Ridg

e Ro

ad

Art Studios - Painting

Stage 3 Long Term Communal Facilities and Garden

0 166

100m 167

Walking Tracks

Visual Connections 0

168

100m 169

Site: Walking tracks

(Cain, 2021)

170

171

Inhibitors of physical activity

According to a study conducted by Huberty et al. (2014), women who participated in physical activity reported significantly lower depressive symptoms compared to women who did not participate in any form of physical activity after a stillbirth. However, studies suggest that although women tended to understand the benefits of exercise postpartum, the emotional experience of seeing other people, other pregnant bodies or babies meant that women preferred to stay at home (Huberty et al. 2014, p7). Situating the facility within a dense forest enables women to complete different forms of physical activity with privacy and dignity. It also allows them to connect with the natural environment and engage with the transient nature of life.

Background Image- (Mairs, 2015) 172

173

Precedent: Estonian Sound Sculpture This project is based in the midst of the Estonian Pahni Nature Centre, close to the border with Latvia. As a country, Estonia is very heavily forested, with over fifty percent coverage. The project aims to magnify the sounds of the forest, and provide a place for visitors to rest and enjoy the serenity (Mairs, 2015).

I found this project very relevant to my concept in several ways. Firstly, it is located deep within a forest. It prioritizes the isolated serenity of nature that allows one to feel consumed and somewhat insignificant in the space. Secondly, it requires visitors to venture through a forest to get there. To experience the sculpture, the visitor must journey through the forest, extending and enhancing the experience. How does this journey of discovery enhance the visitor’s engagement with the forest, the sculpture, and themselves? Lastly, the project deals with sound which we as humans both give and receive. When considering people with trauma, the notion of expelling anger or grief through sound is common and often effective, particularly in an environment like a forest where one can do so without the judgment of others. However, what happens when a trauma victim receives sound, an amplified sound of the forest in this case? Does this aggravate, sooth, encourage the grieving process?

(Mairs, 2015)

174

175

Precedent: An Occupation of Loss In collaboration with OMA, Taryn Simon‘s An Occupation of Loss is a performative architectural installation exploring the different grieving processes from cultures around the world. OMA Architects designed the concrete walled structures, functioning as a ‘discordant instrument’ in which the professional mourners are invited to lament (Ingalls, 2016).

This project highlights the traditions of vocalizing lament across cultures across the world. It exposes the world of ‘professional mourning’, and in some ways, the artificiality of it. These multicultural performers make a living out of showcasing lament at funerals, ceremonies and in this case - art installations. Simon discusses Freud’s theory of the ‘work of grief’, which is the “clinical belief that individuals who are grieving the loss of a loved one... [must] consciously experience and overtly express highly distressing emotions” (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2003, p.18). This notion led me to think about my own design. If sound is released from the body, then it may act in a similar way to Van Der Kolk’s theories of physical activity. If releasing anger and stress can be achieved through breathing exercises or boxing, then perhaps a dedicated space for releasing sound would benefit also. However, I must acknowledge that I cannot just design a program for Australian women based on this installation. These practices are culturally significant and accepted in these societies, however, I understand that providing women with a full body mask as shown on the mourners from Burkino Maso will not be appropriate. It has led me to identify the possibilities however, in providing a private place for women to release the grief through the form of vocal lament.

176

(tarynsimon.com, 2021)

177

Precedent: An Occupation of Loss Watching the videos of the performances brought my attention to another physical activity that we as humans use to soothe ourselves or others - bodily rocking. As the mourners wailed, they rocked back and forth.

The most obvious connection I can draw to the Australian experience, is the rocking of a baby. How would this process heal or trigger someone experiencing trauma from stillbirth?

“the unspeakable, intangible, sonic properties of mourning - beyond text, without language - led me away from photograph or text, and instead to performance. The use of speech, instrument, and sound in radical ways transcends text and standard forms of comprehension.”

(Simon, 2017, p. 24)

178

I began to look into this notion of rocking - why do we do it? The gentle movement initiates parasympathetic functions (Fritz et al., 1999, p.163), decreasing heart rate, and relaxing the body and mind (Van der Kolk, 2014, p77). However, I could imagine that this movement may be terribly upsetting for a mother who is mourning the loss of her baby, given this action is so commonly associated with soothing a child. Yet, it brings me back to Freud’s notion of the ‘work of grief’.

Perhaps by performing a confronting activity like rocking, a mother would be able to overcome the debilitating effects of her grief earlier than a mother who shields away from it. Perhaps by performing this movement, a mother is able to work through the initial triggering pain and begin to experience the soothing functions of the action. Certainly, this idea would not be appropriate for everyone, however it is important to consider this notion of confrontation when providing options for therapy.

179

Research Question Reference Bessel’s book about the importance of physical activity.

How can bodily engagement help to memorialize a mother’s grief at different stages after a stillbirth?

Stages are relevant as it will differ for different people. Time after giving birth will alter what the body can do.

“You’re left grasping at something permanently just out of reach, that might have been, that should have been, that wasn’t.”

(Hughes, 2012)

Quote not that relevant to Bessell’s book.

If going to choose a quote, use one about physical movement etc.

180

The trauma associated with stillbirth differs significantly from traditional grief due to the loss of a child. After intense anticipation and excitement, parents are faced with the challenge of moving on without ever experiencing the live presence of their child. Despite the fact that six babies die from stillbirth each day in Australia (Stillbirth Foundation Australia, 2021), there is still conflicting information as to how to approach the grief and healing process. This project will explore how and to what effect memorialisation of a stillbirth helps in the healing process of a mother during different phases of their grief, and how physical movement, the natural environment and art therapy may aid in this process.

Breathing/meditation/walking/art may be appropriate for people who have just given birth. As the body gets stronger, running/boxing/intense gardening may be better suited.

181

Coping with Grief 2 years postpartum

6 Months postpartum

Experience of Grief

Level of social support postpartum

Whether death occurred in sudden or violent circumstances

1 year postpartum

Whether you have subsequent children

Contributing Factors

2 years postpartum

Whether you have existing children

Level of partner support

Time since stillbirth

Contributing Factors

Existing mental health condition

182

- the level of social support postpartum - whether you have previous children - whether you have since had children - existing mental health condition - the level of partner support - whether death occurred in sudden or violent circumstances

Delayed Grief

Diagram - (Kersting & Wagner, 2012) and (Janssen, Cuisinier & Hoogduin, 1996) 183

Practical Support

“I could not function… I could not do anything to my house, I couldn’t cook, I couldn’t buy groceries.”

(Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2003)

Dealing with the emotional grief after the loss of a child can be debilitating on family life, particularly in the days and weeks after the event. “Parents often go into a state where even eating and self-care can sort of go out the window, because they’re in this blur” (Queensland Government, 2019). This is why in my design, I want to provide women who have just come out of hospital with the freedom to grieve without the practical stresses of daily life.

“I was paralyzed. It seem like I just couldn’t do anything. My mind was either blank or filled with thoughts about what happened” (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2003)

Meals

Wash services Short Term Immediate Stay

Healthcare on call Privacy

184

185

Existing Support Services: Melbourne

Peer to peer mentoring/Counseling

Photography Packages

Supporting Literature

Group Therapy/Support Groups

Postpartum yoga

Hospital to Home Services Memory Boxes

186

Much of the existing support network in Melbourne relies heavily on counseling services. Women are often provided with this information at the hospital following their stillbirth. SANDS is the most prevalent miscarriage, stillbirth and newborn death support service, with 24 hour phone support for women. Although many of their services rely on mentoring and group support sessions, there is also a service called “Hospital to Home”. This is funded by the federal government and provides emotional and practical home support for bereaved parents for up to three months (SANDS, 2021). This is important, given that according to Social Worker Deb De Wilde, “helping with meal prep, household chores, care of other children...can all take the pressure off a family when their ability to manage these tasks is limited” (Turnball, 2019). Memory boxes and photography packages are commonplace now in hospitals, and provide a physical memento of the birth of the child. These are provided through organizations like Bears of Hope, Red Nose Day and the Stillbirth Foundation.

One element clearly lacking in the services was prescribed physical activity. Postpartum yoga was sometimes advised, however according to a study by Huberty et al., (2014, p.6), most women were just told by their doctor to not “do anything too strenuous until their six week check up”. Clearly it is not common to encourage or prescribe appropriate forms of physical activity.

187

Shikinen Sengu Ritual: Rebuilding Ise Jingu Grand Shrine

The Ise Jingu Grand Shrine is the worship place for sun goddess Amaterasu-Omikami. Originally worshiped at the Imperial Palace, Princess Yamatohime-no-mikoto was tasked by the 11th emperor Suinin to find a permanent place for shrine and worship. After extensive searching, the princess decided that the she should be worshiped and enshrined eternally in Ise (Ise Jingu, 2021).

Every 20 years, a new divine palace with the same dimensions is constructed adjacent to the main sanctuary. There is approximately 30 rituals and ceremonies that accompany the construction process, beginning with the cutting of the first tree. The process of rebuilding helps to preserve the design against the “otherwise eroding effects of time” (Nuwer, 2013), whilst reinvigorating the spiritual and cultural bonds that tie the community together. Indeed, this also helps to keep traditional Japanese artisan skills alive in the modern climate (Ise Jingu, 2021).

188

(Ise Jingu, 2021)

(Ise Jingu, 2021)

This notion of rebuilding reminded me of the transience of natural materials, and indeed the transience of life. The process of rebuilding the shrine is just as important as the final product, which is relevant to my concept. I am trying to establish a similar ethos with my design the importance of the walking trails around the site, the importance of sharing your story with others, the importance of understanding the divine principles of nature.

189

Master Of Architecture Design Thesis: Semester 1 2021 Preliminary Thesis Proposal 27 March 2021 Natalie Cain 758360

190

191

Research Question

What is it to memorialize and acknowledge a mother’s grief after a stillbirth?

The trauma associated with stillbirth differs significantly from traditional grief due to the loss of a child. After intense anticipation and excitement, parents are faced with the challenge of moving on without ever experiencing the live presence of their child. Without memories of the child living independently, they are left only with the visions of the future they had planned. Despite the fact that six babies die from stillbirth each day in Australia (Stillbirth Foundation Australia, 2020), there is still conflicting information as to how to approach the grief and healing process. This project will explore how and to what effect memorialisation of a stillbirth helps in the healing process of a mother, and how physical movement, the natural environment and art therapy may aid in this process.

24 March 2021 192

193

Stillbirth in the Community

“Bereaved women are seven times more likely to experience PTSD, four times more likely to be diagnosed with clinical depression*” (Gold et al, 2016)

194

* than women who have not lost a child

The devastation experienced by mothers who experience stillbirth has long been a topic of contention. Until quite recently, a stillbirth was seen as a ‘nonevent’, and parents were encouraged or in some cases forced to move on with their lives without acknowledging, seeing, touching or appropriately mourning the loss of their child (Schott & Henley, 2009).

According to Gold et al, bereaved women are seven times more likely to experience PTSD, four times more likely to be diagnosed with clinical depression than women who have not lost a child. Coping with their loss may also be hindered be the fact that stillbirths are often devalued in society as to others, there appears to be no person to grieve for (Murphy et al., 2013, p.29). Society’s inability to recognize or empathize with this form of loss creates an inhospitable environment for healing, and therefore I intend to explore how architecture can facilitate this healing process.

195

Trauma of Stillbirth

“You’re left grasping at something permanently just out of reach, that might have been, that should have been, that wasn’t.”

(Hughes, 2012)

196

197

Client

‘I am not a patient’

Ang

er

Following some preliminary research about stillbirths, I became aware of how triggering a hospital environment may be on a woman going through this process. Following the event, the woman may experience physical discomfort and pain as a result of the birth. Many women experience heavy blood flow, afterpains and painful engorgement of their breasts as the body adjusts to life without a baby (Tommy’s Charity, 2021). Despite this discomfort, Lovell’s (1983) study of women who experienced stillbirth suggested that they occupied an anomalous space on the maternity ward, as they were neither a mother nor a patient. Being surrounded by other signs of new life, triggered feelings of anger, guilt, jealousy, in addition to them feeling ‘out of place’.

Yet this physical and emotional trauma they are experiencing is also not conducive to returning home to normal life. I therefore aim to create a bridging space for mothers to go post hospital in order to prepare them for daily life.

198

‘I am not a mother’

Jealousy

pe

ck

Sho

Den

ial

nt me

s

ras

b

less

Ho

ar mb

Num

s nes

E

Acce

ptan

ce

ilt

Gu

Anx

iety

Loss

Hospital Care

Return to life

199

The Body Keeps the Score Bessell Van Der Kolk, 2014

Bessell’s research over the course of his career has led to prioritize ‘active’, physical therapy for the mental recovery from trauma. “the engines of post traumatic reactions are located in the emotional brain… it manifests itself in physical reactions: gut wrenching sensations, heart pounding, breathing becomes fast and shallow… and the characteristic body movements that signify collapse, rigidity, rage or defensiveness.” (Van der Kolk, 2014, p.

204/5)

(Van der Kolk, 2014, p. 53)

200

After reading The Body Keeps the Score, I have understood the benefit of physical movement on PTSD sufferers. When people reexperience trauma in the form of PTSD, the emotional brain manifests itself in physical reactions. Bessell’s research suggests that by connecting with the body once again, you are able to re-establish control over these reactions, and learn to cope with the events of the past. I am particularly interested in the fact that these movements do not have to be big, or powerful. For this client group, I must be conscious of the fact that physiologically, their ligaments and support structures will be vulnerable so soon after postpartum. However, small acts like connecting with the breath in yoga, or moving the paint across a canvas can be extremely helpful, particularly with people who have become dissociated with their body due to grief.

201

Memorialisation The second refers to the natural environment. Earlier this semester, I looked at an installation about loss by a Motoi Yamamoto (2021) who had lost his sister to cancer. His way of coping was to create these transient salt sculptures, that signified the passing of time and place.

Tending to the soil and gardening may help in the grieving process.

According to Murphy and Thomas (2013), the act of planting a tree or garden is often beneficial as the mother feels as though she can nurture it as it grows, look after it and watch its progression. It can also act as a permanent place of remembrance.

The first exists in art and dramatherapy. Bar-Yitzchak (2002) writes about a study she conducted with a woman who was still suffering extreme PTSD symptoms from her stillbirth three years on. She too, felt ‘dead’ - emotionally, and physically. However, through a series of painting, sculpting, and kneading, the client began to understand her grief, and take control over it. Small changes like the level of power used to touch the paper or clay coincided with dramatic progression in her emotional state. Given the client group, I would like to explore this gentle act of movement. It also creates a visual representation of your grief, that will result in different responses from different people.

It is likely that some women may treasure the work, as a memorial or dedication to their child. Other women may want to destroy it as it is a physical representation of their rage and the unfairness of their situation.

202

Finally I will look into an activity that Bessel talks about in great detail - yoga. Bessel (2014, p. 265) suggests that memories of helplessness and anger are stored as muscle tension. Learning to breathe deeply and slowly allows women to send their breath to the physical areas of trauma. Van der Kolk (2014, p.77) explains that breathing in triggers the sympathetic nervous system, which increases your heart rate and adrenaline. When you breathe out, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, releasing acetylcholine that slows the heart rate, and relaxes the body and the mind. This awareness activity may be beneficial for both women who feel the emptiness of their bodies after losing a child, as well as women who experience phantom pregnancy symptoms like foetal movement and kicking (Sasan et al., 2021). Working to create a rhythm between tension and relaxation helps people notice a particular part of the body that is holding certain experiences to acknowledge it and then let it go (Van der Kolk, 2014, p.276)

203

Memorialisation Art and Dramatherapy Allows mothers to materialize and visualize their grief and choose how to move forward with it. This may result in memorializing it as a keepsake, or it could result in the object being destroyed in a release of anger.

Natural Environment Memorialisation in a transient sense. Something that can be cared for, looked after, revisited. Physical action of digging, planting, watering.

“Sculpting, touching, sensing, seeing, smelling – all basic senses and fundamental components... promoted the therapeutic process“ Bar-Yitzchak , 2002, p.14

Physical Movement “Cultivating sensory awareness is such a critical aspect of trauma recovery.’ (Van Der Kolk, 2015). It encourages a sense of control and autonomy through small processes like walking, breathing deeply, stretching. This must be done in a controlled environment given the health risks postpartum.

204

205

Program Overnight Private Areas

- Single rooms for private reflection and healing - Bed, en-suite, private lounge area - Nurses on call - attentive to mothers’ needs as they physically recover - Private open space

Communal Areas

Therapy Huts Range of Areas for Therapy - Yoga Studio - Gardening area - Art (Painting) studio - Art (Pottery) studio - Solitude studio - Secluded walking paths - Public walking paths

- Kitchen/Dining Area - Lounge

I am proposing to design a therapy centre for women to stay post hospital. It will contain overnight accommodation for up to 10 guests, in addition to therapy huts, that provide places for women to come to terms with their grief.

206

207

Site Context The site that I have chosen is located in Heidelberg, a five-minute drive from the Austin Hospital. The Mercy Hospital for Women is located there, which is where the client base would be coming from. The site itself is surrounded by bushland and the Yarra River.

Austin Hospital Heidelberg Mercy Hospital for

208

Proposed Site Existing state owned parkland

209

Site Context I wanted to find a site that was relatively private and secluded, to mothers to grieve in an environment free of judgment. Given that people deal with their grief in different ways, I think it is important to cater for individual therapy sessions, as well as group sessions. Van der Kolk (2014) talks about the importance of moving the body, even in small ways. Therefore, I propose the initial drop off area to be located a 10 minute walk from the main overnight accommodation. The visitor walks through the path and understands the privacy within the area.

She can see some of the therapy huts, however others are hidden out of site. These therapy huts host a range of activities including yoga, gardening, art studios etc and by walking through the landscape, the visitor is already on her healing journey. For some women, it may not be time for them to begin therapy, and may need time to hide in their rooms and avoid people. Single rooms with a bed, en-suite and private open space will be provided, with nurses on call if required. If and when the visitor would like to engage with other women, there will be communal areas for dining, and lounging. A kitchen will also be provided should the visitor like to cook their own food alone or with others. The therapy sessions will be largely led by the visitor, with options to go alone or with others.

Drop Off Area Visitors would be dropped off in this area and make their way through the pathway to the centre.

Existing Undercover Area Possibility to retrofit this greenhouse area for art therapy and larger dramatic pieces.

Existing Parkland Located amongst Banksia park and winding Yarra River. Private areas amongst the trees where huts would be located.

210

211

Site

Following their 1-2week stay at the retreat, visitors will walk the same path through the landscape and out to the pick up area. In doing this, they will walk past areas where they have cried, grieved, and hopefully in some way healed, visualizing their progression. Bereaved mothers tend to dislike the phrase that they will ever ‘recover’ from their child’s death (Christ et al., 2003), however, I hope that my project will steer women on a path to reconcile their reality and move forward to live fulfilling lives.

212

Drop off area

Short term accommodation

Therapy huts

Journey pathway

213

Feedback Reflection Both Heather and Anthony seemed to be more interested in the ideas of the therapy huts, as opposed to the short term accommodation.

It is in this area that the concept of memorialisation could be better explored, which shows a stronger relationship to my question. Heather recommended that I look at the book ‘An Occupation of Loss’ by Taryn Simon which deals with death, loss and memorialisation. I have since ordered this book. Although what I have proposed seems to make sense in a traditional way, I think I need to create something that is a little bit less obvious, or stereotypical. I think this will come with further research.

Guest crit: Heather Micheltree.

Our first class presentation proved to be a successful exercise, as it turned our attention from concept to brief. Although the translation of these events felt a bit rushed, it was beneficial to put something down and receive feedback as to where you should head. It was great to hear feedback from Heather, who has experienced childbirth, and understands the physical and mental challenges that accompany this process. She suggested that the 10 minute walk to get to the accommodation that I proposed was not a viable activity for women who have just given birth. Perhaps I need to further consider the physical limitations of these women at this stage. She agreed with the idea that the hospital would be an ‘anomalous space’ for mothers experiencing stillbirth. However, she suggested that I look into the current treatment methods for women experiencing postpartum psychosis, and develop an understanding as to how my brief is different or more appropriate than these.

214

Finally, Anthony suggested that the brief could be made up of soft gestures that make a big impact. How do we memorialise anger, guilt, sorrow and jealousy in small movements or actions? How does this enable women to move past their grief and continue to lead fulfilling lives? Perhaps it is a place where women come back to many times. This form of grief is not something that will ever be resolved, as mentioned in my presentation. Mothers feel that the best that they can do is to reconcile with their reality - therefore, perhaps this is not a ‘quick fix’ but a place women will come to for the remainder of their lives. I must ask myself how my design will deal with the continuous longevity of grief for these women.

Moving forward, I think I want to look into different ways memorialisation could be a transient or cyclical process. I will relook at the loss installation by Motoi Yamamoto and find new examples like the Ise Jingu Shrine in Japan in an attempt to think about memorialisation in a less obvious sense.

215

Research Question

Is it important for a mother to memorialize a stillborn baby, and what effect does this have on their grieving and healing process?

“You’re left grasping at something permanently just out of reach, that might have been, that should have been, that wasn’t.”

(Hughes, 2012)

Quote not that relevant to Bessell’s book.

If going to choose a quote, use one about physical movement etc.

Question is too long. Key words are mother (client), memorialize, and grieving. Is it important to include something about physical movement in here? Important to remember studio is either agreeing with or challenging the Body Keeps the Score.

The trauma associated with stillbirth differs significantly from traditional grief due to the loss of a child. After intense anticipation and excitement, parents are faced with the challenge of moving on without ever experiencing the live presence of their child. Without memories of the child living independently, they are left only with the visions of the future they had planned. Despite the fact that six babies die from stillbirth each day in Australia (Stillbirth Foundation Australia, 2021), there is still conflicting information as to how to approach the grief and healing process. This project will explore how and to what effect memorialisation of a stillbirth helps in the healing process of a mother, and how physical movement, the natural environment and art therapy may aid in this process.

17 March 2021 216

217

Memory Installation

Site ArtPlay - Birarrung Marr, Southbank Despite how reliable we believe our memories to be, they are in fact very susceptible to change and distortion. Professor of Neuroscience Liz Phelps suggests that they are only 50% correct most of the time (Fischetti, 2017).

Children who experience domestic and sexual abuse often have distorted memories of these traumatic experiences.

The Body Keeps the Score - Narrative Van der Kolk (2014) writes about Marilyn, who was raped at the age of 8 by her father, and received no help or support from her mother. However, when asked what her childhood was like, she replied “she must have had a happy childhood’. When Marilyn spoke about it to her mother, it was met with false information.

The site is an existing art site for children and could easily be retrofitted into the ‘House of Play’. There is adequate space for games and for the post reflection experience. The location in the city adds to the ‘flashbulb memory’ effect, as the children would likely have a greater memory of the significant experience.

“that could never happen in our family’, ‘how could you ever think such a terrible thing?’

Neuroscientist Karim Nader explores the significance of ‘flashbulb’ memories, that are events where something momentous happened (Miller, 2010). He suggests that the very act of revisiting the memory and discussing it with others has the potential to distort it further. Are children more likely to trust their own memory of a event or align their memory with false information from their peers and external influences? How influential are these factors in memory formation in a positive environment?

218

219

Memory Installation

Hopscotch - Multi

Tunnel - Blue

Time line - Social Installation 1. Year 3 children go on an excursion to House of Play at ArtPlay in Southbank 2. The children go through the fun obstacle course 3. At the conclusion of the course, they sit down and write a reflection of their experience. Drawing pictures is also encouraged - (Outcome 1) 4. The children are given a sausage sizzle lunch.

5. The children return to school and discuss the excursion as a class.

6. Posters are put up around the classroom of the excursion with false information 7. Lead by the teacher, the class discusses and reminisces about the excursion the following week 8. 4 weeks post excursion, the teacher asks the students to write and draw another reflection - (Outcome 2) 8. Identify and assess the level of memory distortion of the students

Ladder - Red

Rock Wall - Multi

Foam Pit - Yellow Balance beams - Blue Monkey Bars - Green

Trampoline - Red Classroom Sausage Sizzle Lunch Changed on poster

220

221

222

223

Research Question

What grief? How does this differ from a child that dies? What defines a bereaved mother?

How does a mother grieve and memorialize a life that has not been lived?

How does the grieving process change for mothers who experience stillbirth compared with those who lose a young child? How can memorial play a role in a less traditional sense? Is it important to memorialize? Why?

Can you memorialize grief? Is it fixed or transient?

Could this be replaced by a stronger word? When does a life start? At birth, at conception, at 20 weeks gestation?

“You’re left grasping at something permanently just out of reach, that might have been, that should have been, that wasn’t.”

(Hughes, 2012)

This project will explore the grieving and healing process of mothers who experience still births or late term miscarriages. I will explore how the mother grieves the physical changes to her body as well as the emotional trauma of losing an unborn child, and how this differs from losing a child who lived independently. I will question how physical movement, the natural environment and art therapy aid in the memorialisation process.

10 March 2021 224

225

Day in the Life

When asked to map my day, I decided to do a photo map. Where there is colour, there is a heightened sensory experience e.g. the flame of the stove, or the smell of the coffee. Where there is a break in photo, there is a break in movement. I enjoyed this activity as it highlighted the simple pleasurable experiences that I partake in on a daily basis. The feeling of the carpet when I get out of bed, the ritual of making a coffee, the different sounds of nature on my walk all contribute to a sense of place and understanding.

226

227

228

229

230

231

Return to the Sea: Saltworks

a time to heal, a time to mourn, a time to reflect,

a time to be conscious.

(Yamamoto, 2021)

Motoi Yamamoto.

Yamamoto grieves the loss of his sister who died to brain cancer.

He uses this meditative process to recapture the memory of her.

This process of transcendence extends beyond the exhibition, where visitors are invited to take the salt back to the sea. This signifies the transience of life.

(Yamamoto, 2021)

232

233

Research Question

Define late term miscarriage - 20 weeks gestation? How will you explore the grief - through what means? Connect to The Body Keeps the Score - perhaps through physical activity, activation of areas of the body etc.

How does a person grieve a life that has not been lived?

Mother? Father? Siblings? Perhaps limit client group - Parents, mother etc

This thesis project will explore the grieving and healing process of parents who experience still births, or late term miscarriages. I will explore how a mother deals with both the physical changes to her body, in addition to the emotional trauma of losing a child before it has a chance to live life independently.

What does this mean? What defines a life?

What is a stronger word for this?

3 March 2021 234

235

Fear

The fear of loneliness. The fear of exclusion.

Isolation. When there are crowds of people surrounding you, yet the longing for company remains. The lack of control. Paralysis.

This image displays the feeling of loneliness from the perspective of one person. Despite being surrounded by many people and physically not being ‘alone’, there is a loneliness and sense of isolation. I was attempting to depict how a bereaved mother may feel after the loss of her child. Despite the support network she may have around her, there is little anyone or anything can do to stop the pain and sense of loss. As a mother, she may feel that she was the primordial protector of her child, and feel a strong sense of guilt and shame and sorrow.

“The loneliest moment in someone’s life is when they are watching their whole world fall apart, and all they can do is stare blankly.”

- F Scott Fitzgerald

236

237

Reference List

Bar-Yitzchak, R. (2002). Stillbirth Integration: Dramatherapy Applied to Unresolved Grief. Dramatherapy, 24(1), 8-15.

Barocco & Wright (2021). Retrieved 12 May 2021, from https:// baroccowright.com/

Christ, G., Bonanno, G., Malkinson, R., & Rubin, S. (2003). When Children Die: Improving Palliative and End-of-Life care for Children and their Families. National Academies Press (US).

Fischetti, M. (2017). Why Do Our Memories Change? [Video].

New York: Scientific American.

Fritz, S., Paholsky, K., & Grosenbach, M. (1999). Mosby’s basic science for soft tissue and movement therapies. St. Louis: Mosby.

Great Forest National Park. (2021). Retrieved 29 March 2021, from https://www.greatforestnationalpark.com.au/noojee.html

Gold, K., Leon, I., Boggs, M., & Sen, A. (2016). Depression and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms After Perinatal Loss in a PopulationBased Sample. Journal Of Women’s Health, 25(3), 263-269.

Hospice UK. (2021). Retrieved 9 April 2021, from https://www. dyingmatters.org/

Huberty, J., Coleman, J., Rolfsmeyer, K., & Wu, S. (2014). A qualitative study exploring women’s beliefs about physical activity after stillbirth. BMC Pregnancy And Childbirth, 14(1).

Huberty, J., Leiferman, J., Gold, K., Rowedder, L., Cacciatore, J., & McClain, D. (2014). Physical activity and depressive symptoms after stillbirth: informing future interventions. BMC Pregnancy And Childbirth, 14(1).

Hughes, S. (2012). Losing Iris: the quiet despair of a child stillborn. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian. com/lifeandstyle/2012/jan/22/losing-iris-stillborn-sarah-hughes

238

Ingalls, J. (2016). The architecture of grief: inside OMA’s “An Occupation of Loss”. Archinet. Retrieved from https://archinect. com/news/article/149968710/the-architecture-of-grief-inside-omas-an-occupation-of-loss#:~:text=In%20OMA%20and%20artist%20 Taryn,are%20encouraged%20to%20interact%20with Janssen, H., Cuisinier, M., & Hoogduin, K. (1996). A Critical Review of the Concept of Pathological Grief following Pregnancy Loss.

OMEGA - Journal Of Death And Dying, 33(1), 21-42.

Kersting, A., & Wagner, B. (2012). Complicated grief after perinatal loss. Dialogues In Clinical Neuroscience, 14(2).

MASU Planning. (2021). MASTERPLAN SOLBJERG CEMETERY - MASU Planning. Retrieved 23 April 2021, from https:// www.masuplanning.com/project/solbjerg-cemetery/

Miller, G. (2010). How our Brains Make Memories. Smithsonian Magazine.

Murphy, S., & Thomas, H. (2013). Stillbirth and Loss: Family Practices and Display. Sociological Research Online, 18(1), 27-37.

Lannen, P., Wolfe, J., Prigerson, H., Onelov, E., & Kreicbergs, U. (2008). Unresolved Grief in a National Sample of Bereaved Parents: Impaired Mental and Physical Health 4 to 9 Years Later. Journal Of Clinical Oncology, 26(36), 5870-5876.

Lovell, A. (1983). Some questions of identity: Late miscarriage, stillbirth and perinatal loss. Social Science & Medicine, 17(11), 755761.

Nuwer, R. (2013). This Japanese Shrine Has Been Torn Down And Rebuilt Every 20 Years for the Past Millennium. Smithsonian Magazine.

239

Queensland Government. (2019). Helping families through the grief and loss of stillbirth. Brisbane.

Red Nose Grief and Loss. (2021). Supporting Parents Through Grief After a Stillbirth or Perinatal Death | Guiding Light - Red Nose Grief and Loss. Retrieved 27 March 2021, from https://rednosegriefandloss. org.au/support/article/supporting-parents-through-grief-after-astillbirth-or-perinatal-death

Turnball, S. (2019). How to support parents of stillborn children.

ABC News. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/everyday/how-tosupport-parents-of-stillborn-children/11610972

Understanding Stillbirth. (2021). Retrieved 27 March 2021, from https://stillbirthfoundation.org.au/understanding-stillbirth/

Yamamoto, M. (2021). Retrieved 27 March 2021, from https:// www.motoi-works.com/en/

Rituals and Ceremonies Ise Jingu. (2021). Retrieved 28 March 2021, from https://www.isejingu.or.jp/en/ritual/index.html

Sasan, D., Ward, P., Nash, M., Orchard, E., Farrell, M., Hohwy, J., & Jamadar, S. (2021). “Phantom Kicks”: Women’s Subjective Experience of Fetal Kicks After the Postpartum Period. Journal Of Women’s Health, 30(1), 36-44.

Schott, J., & Henley, A. (2009). After a stillbirth – offering choices, creating memories. British Journal Of Midwifery, 17(12), 798-801.

Snaman, J., Levine, D., & Baker, J. (2016). Empowering Bereaved Parents in the Development of a Comprehensive Bereavement Program (SA503). Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management, 51(2), 387-388.

Stillbirthday Global Network. (2021). StillBirthday Mentorship.

Retrieved 12 April 2021, from https://stillbirthday.com

Tedeschi, R., & Calhoun, L. (2003). Helping Bereaved Parents.

London: Brunner-Routledge.

Tommy’s Charity. (2021). Coping with grief after the loss of a baby – for parents. Retrieved 27 March 2021, from https://www. tommys.org/baby-loss-support/stillbirth-information-and-support/

240

241

242