The National Brain Appeal's Rare Space Garden at RHS Chelsea / RHS

The National Brain Appeal's Rare Space

Sanctuary Gardens

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Bold blue seating creates easily-found spots to rest, while subtle planting colours add contrast, tall planting provides movement, and wide paths offer accessibility

The garden has been designed taking inspiration from people living with rare forms of dementia, particularly visual and spacial forms of the disease. Using their lives to inform a space which can offer autonomy, hope and encourage activity among those affected.

The result is a place of contrasting materials, to help identify and locate structural components, and a simple layout that provides a balance between exploration and calm navigation. Central to this is a level path which turns through the garden and three seating areas with visually contrasting shelters of bright colours to help people discover the garden independently.

Together these elements showcase a bespoke environment for people living with dementias so they can find a place of enjoyment and refuge in a challenging world.