2 minute read
QEII Hospital
Restorative landscaping. © Tobermore
Typology: General hospital | Location: Welwyn Garden City
A restorative outdoor space, with a thoughtfully designed hardscape courtyard at its heart
Tobermore
The modern era has seen an increased interest in health and wellbeing, across industry, government, and the public. These issues affect us all, both in terms of how they impact people’s lives, and what our collective industries can do to mitigate them. Hard landscaping plays an important, but often forgotten, role in the spaces and places of healthcare provision.
While hard landscaping is often the last thing people think about during the construction process, it is the first thing people see. We all make subconscious judgements based on these first impressions, instantly deciding whether a hard landscaped area is welcoming or off-putting. This ambiance is critically important in healthcare settings where patients require as calming a setting as possible.
One such project Tobermore was proud to be involved in was the construction of the QEII Hospital in Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire, a stunning medical facility with tasteful hard landscaping and complementary greenery. Presented with various paving options by Tobermore, the contemporary aggregate finish of Sienna block paving and Mayfair slabs was the perfect look for a modern, restorative outdoor space.
Explaining the importance of hard landscaping design in creating welcoming spaces, Glen Macfarlane of Macfarlane + Associates commented: “The courtyard is the heart of the scheme, creating a space for users to escape to away from the building. The hard landscape creates a dynamic environment, enhancing positive views. The soft landscape elements provide softening and greening to the building facades, improving key views in and out of the hospital, aiding in creating a therapeutic space for users.”
This dynamic synergy is reflected in the collaborative approach required for designing and realising healthcare spaces, with Tobermore working in close tandem with the architect, Penoyre & Prasad, landscape architect, Macfarlane + Associates, and main contractor, Balfour Beatty.
A landscape-led approach to designing healthcare facilities is becoming of the utmost importance, especially at hospitals like the QEII that feature physiotherapy and rehabilitation units as well as children’s outpatient services. Hard landscaping is taking centre stage at the heart of our nation’s health.
