ROUGH AND MILNE

a healthy place

TONY MILNE FROM ROUGH AND MILNE CONSIDERS THE RESTORATIVE INFLUENCE OF NATURE AND HIS WORK ON ŌTAUTAHI’S TE MARINO HOSPITAL GARDEN.

TONY MILNE Rough & Milne Landscape Architects Some 20 years ago, we were involved in the design of Nelson Hospital and I was considering our landscape design response. While the healing qualities of nature and its part in convalescence have been recognised for centuries, my knowledge was limited.

Thanks to John Clark, I did know, “If it weren’t for your gumboots, where would ya be? You’d be in the hospital or infirmary…”. Realising I needed a slightly stronger theoretical base; I was drawn to the writing of Clare Cooper Marcus and Roger Ulrich. Both explored the concept of nature as a catalyst for healing, for overall wellbeing and the therapeutic benefits of green space and gardens within hospital settings.

Most would concur that our mood improves after we spend time outside, or even by simply viewing nature. I am certainly more propitious after a run in Hagley Park or a stroll along the beach.

Our landscape response for Nelson included the idea of familiarity. A comforting feeling. Aspects of nature have a power to draw you to a sense that you have been there before; this could be the chirps of birds on a summer’s evening, the smell of the forest on an autumn morning, or the sound of babbling water.

Inspired by the tectonic uplift of the Maruia Falls, the dappled light of the ka¯nuka forest of the Abel Tasman, and the ephemeral qualities of the Waimea Inlet, we looked to fill the courtyards of Nelson Hospital with slices of the familiar. Connecting patients, visitors, and staff, hopefully to happier memories of the wider landscape.

We are currently involved in designing a podium garden at Waipapa, the new extension to Christchurch Hospital. The third-floor podium visually connects with the leafy canopy of the adjacent Botanic Gardens. A splendid setting, although invite it does not. The concept of familiarity underpins our transformation of this greycoloured tiled podium courtyard. Once complete, this space will be known as Te Marino.

We are creating a garden for patients, staff, visitors, and nature to cohabit. A garden visually pleasing and soothing for those patient rooms with overlook, too. In places, the grey tiles will be replaced with planters, overflowing with greenery and flowers of both native and exotic plants connecting with O¯tautahi, our place. Elements of nature that are demonstrated to have positive and restorative influences on our moods.

Within this soft green framework, street art will see the two obstinate ventilation stacks become engaging narratives of colour and life. Timber decking, seating, tables, and an artificial turf mound will invite use, providing opportunity for exploration, respite, reflection, solace, observation, dreaming, chatter, and play. The use of curvilinear rather than rectangular shapes is purposeful.

Far too often, landscaping is viewed as merely decoration used to offset buildings. External spaces within hospitals need to be more than this. Gardens can promote relief from symptoms, stress reduction and an overall sense of wellbeing and hopefulness. A small, enthusiastic and passionate group of staff and friends are determined to make Te Marino such a place.

Depending on fundraising we may need our gumboots.

Photo credit: Warren and Mahoney