COMMERCIAL
We were approached by Hammersmith Hospital in central London to design their very neglected roof garden and this presented us with a unique opportunity to develop a desperately needed space for the patients and it was clearly was a very valuable outdoor space, at 500m2 it was directly connected to the wards.
The brief was to create a succession of private places for patients to recuperate and relax outdoors in the fresh air - they could sit and have lunch, read and chat in private with staff and visitors
Funding came from a donation via a previous patient so we set about designing a space taking into consideration access for wheelchairs and hospital beds.
We wanted the garden to be an oasis in the heart of the hospital, privacy between patients was created with luscious plantings of trees and scented shrubs, the sight and sound and smell of plants and the small fauna that follow has been proved to be very beneficial to one’s mental health so a great deal of consideration to given to plant choice, lots of greenery and flower that would provide fragrance and lots of colour.
A plethora of brightly coloured and scented flowers fill the courtyard and breathe new life into the roof space. Many plants have a healing property including anti-carcinogenic herbs and in time signage will explain their traditional medicinal uses.
The garden is now used by patients and nurses and it is very much appreciated and loved. Staff and some patients like to tend the garden and find it a lovely place to sit and have their breaks.
