As a MLA candidate preparing for my final project, I am exploring hospital landscape design. I am looking for good examples of gardens that are integrated into the existing therapies of the hospital. In my current search I have found a lot of data on the benefits of plants in hospitals as well as design of hospital architecture, but not much on hospital landscape architecture or design incorporating plants into the hospital setting. I am particularly interested in maximizing the use of hospital gardens by involving various disciplines in garden use. In addition to Horticultural Therapy, occupational, recreational and physical therapy could all increase their quality of care through access to gardens.
Educational opportunities are also available such as growing plants used in pharmaceutical drugs.
My intent is to explore holistic planning approaches to hospital landscape or garden design which unites the various departments within hospitals through use of a common space. Therefore, if anyone has opinions on new developments, hot topics or other related directions for the project please respond. This summer I will travel to successful hospital gardens, interview designers and users, and take slides where possible. Any and all leads are greatly appreciated. It's only life afterall.