University of California-Davis Medical Center, Garden of Three Planes
Sacramento, CaliforniaThe Garden of Three Planes is designed as a contemplative viewing garden for the University of California at Davis Medical Center. Though reminiscent of Japanese dry sand gardens such as Ryoan-ji, the Davis garden is an entirely modern study in materials. A large saw-cut granite table that is broken along one edge floats in a seemingly weightless manner above two contrasting ground planes. The contrasting ground planes form the basis of the garden while the large, floating granite table and other elements in the garden engage the two ground planes, and each other, in interesting dialogue. Upon the two ground planes rest a few natural Sierra Nevada boulders. Some lie entirely within one ground plane or the other, while one boulder clearly compromises the two groundplanes by physically engaging both. Six polished granite spheres rest on the large granite table and are arranged intuitively beneath the canopy of a single, windswept and contorted tree. From morning hours to late evening, the sun casts ever-changing shadow patterns upon the three planes. The garden is viewed primarily from within the hospital as one walks along a glass-walled corridor. Having many abstract qualities conducive to contemplation, the garden serves as a healing garden in the same sense that would prayer, meditation or other means of private reflection.