PLAYGROUND

Earthscape, the studio behind MHCP, had an opportunity in 2001 to join a volunteer effort constructing playgrounds in Drosh, Pakistan, near the Afghanistan border. This project aimed to enhance living conditions and provide safe play spaces for children. During our time there, we witnessed how children faced challenging social conditions, constant threats of violence, and extreme poverty on a daily basis. The events surrounding 9/11 underscored the urgency of humanitarian efforts for our team.
Equally striking was how closely these children lived with nature amidst their harsh circumstances. This connection became pivotal in the conceptual development of Herbman. We pondered whether our expertise in landscaping could create something that would give back to these children while fostering a deeper bond between people and nature.
This perspective led to the inception of the Medical Herbman Cafe Project—a multifaceted initiative including the creation of Herbman fields, operation of an adjoining cafe, and utilizing profits to build playgrounds. Herbman aims to educate visitors about our intrinsic connection with nature and the plants we rely on for our well-being. It seeks to redefine this relationship to promote healthier lifestyles.
Proceeds from MHCP fund future Herbman projects, with any surplus supporting activities benefiting children, such as playground construction, and other initiatives promoting global health. Initially focused solely on playground construction, our program has now expanded to encompass a broader array of social and environmental endeavors.