The current landscaping proposal centres around limiting the impact of the new building for Windermere Road residents, whilst simultaneously creating a therapeutic view for patients and visitors to the new departments. This is achieved via a deep connection between the building itself and the surrounding landscaping elements.
The landscape design opportunities include creating a healing environment that supports patient recovery, enhances the well-being of both patients and staff, and improves the visitor experience. Opportunities have been identified to provide spaces tailored to specific well-being needs, such as a bereavement garden and a neonatal garden. These spaces will serve as destinations that compliment the circulation routes around the building, enabling
users to enjoy fresh air and momentarily escape the hospital environment. They will contribute to physical and mental health by offering areas for relaxation, contemplation, and social connection. These opportunities underscore the landscape’s potential to play a meaningful role in advancing the hospital’s mission of care and healing.
The addition of courtyard viewing gardens between the existing Rockingham and new extension helps creates an intimate green focal point, offering calming views from inside. A bereavement garden area gives a quiet, calming space with sensory elements and accessibility, offering people a peaceful retreat. Screening vegetation planting to the boundary will protect views from the residential gardens and prevent overlooking from the proposed building. Garden space at the heart of the plan, designed to be flexible for resting and reflecting. Soft sensory planting further enhances the space, providing a calming retreat and a peaceful escape from the clinical environment.