Johannesburg, South Africa | 2016
The landscape design is firmly based on the concept and principles of therapeutic landscape design. A landscape with therapeutic value is purposely designed to allow patients of all abilities (disabled, able, young & old), their loved ones and care-givers, to interact with nature in order to aid the process of healing.
On plan the different hospital functions are arranged around 5 internal landscaped courtyards. Collectively they form the ‘green heart’ of the hospital and will ensure that every patient, visitor and staff member will be exposed to as much greenery and natural light as possible. The courtyards have been grouped into Active – and Passive Healing Courtyards and the design for each space has been determined by its relationship with the surrounding hospital functions, the type of user and its location over natural ground or concrete slab. The Day - , Play - and Family Gardens are active courtyard gardens on the ground floor level and will mostly serve as outdoor waiting and activity areas for day visitors. In-patients who are well enough, will be encouraged to visit the courtyard gardens with their family or care-givers. The Healing – and Quiet Gardens are passive courtyard gardens, situated on the lower ground floor level next to the surgical theatres and the intensive care wards. The purpose of these spaces is to provide a peaceful & restorative environment, where family members can experience a reprieve from their stressful circumstances.
The external hospital landscape was designed as a series of courtyard gardens. The Arrival Court, Visitor Garden and Children’s Garden are welcoming spaces designed to appeal to adults and children of all ages. The Sensory (Horticultural Therapy) Garden and Occupational Therapy Garden will provide an outdoor venue for the therapy programmes offered by the hospital. The landscape design of the Occupational Therapy Garden can facilitate play therapy, nature therapy and various physical therapies.
Our aim was to create a landscape that would aid in the convalescence of the children and that would provide welcoming, supportive spaces for visitors and members of staff. As a tribute to the life of Nelson Mandela, the intention of this project (from conceptualisation to completion) has been to serve the children of South Africa.
ILASA Award of Excellence (2017) | GIFA Award of Excellence (2017)