LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Nature reflected in architecture and interiors is often referred to as ‘biophilic’ design. Iteriad said: “Building forms can be shaped to mimic nature that brings the landscape in.”
so large that the service-user feels lost or disconnected, and not too small either, so that the space feels constrained and claustrophobic. Making use of external views is vital, as long as they are focused towards green planted areas.
Safety and security Designing to keep mental healthcare facility outdoor spaces safe and secure is an underlying requirement, and if these features can be designed in to be less apparent, the space will feel more welcoming and less institutional. The approaches to the design of these environments are some of the most complex – from the fence enclosure, to the minute detailing such as tamper- proof fittings and ligature-proof features – that all need to be resolved sensitively. Views into these spaces are required by supervising staff, and need to be sensitively achieved, so that the patient or service-user doesn’t feel that they are being looked at, and that windows are positioned to allow for natural surveillance of the space from the building.
Green roofs and sky gardens Allowing for green roofs and accessible sky gardens is a bonus to any scheme. Green roofs provide better views from adjacent buildings, making the landscape feel like it is more connected. Such roofs
THE NETWORK | AUGUST 2022
can either be ‘intensive’ or ‘extensive’. Intensive – such as sky or roof gardens incorporating raised planters and seating areas – means that the roofs are accessible and useable by the building users. These can be used for sensory or therapy spaces, or as places to grow plants for functional horticultural activities. ‘Extensive,’ meanwhile, means they
purely function as ‘green blankets’ to help insulate a building, but also to contribute to the biodiversity and ecological aspects, and to provide more attractive views than standard roofing materials. These are usually covered entirely by sedum or wildflower grass species, which attract pollinator insects such as bees and butterflies. Bird boxes and beehives can also be located on flat roof spaces.
Plants for enhancing biodiversity and the sensory experience The choice of plant material within mental healthcare settings has to be carefully considered, keeping within the specific
challenges presented. Selecting the right planting palette is key to enhancing the sensory experience of these sanctuary and healing spaces. Different plants appeal to different senses, i.e. smell, touch, hearing, sight, and sound. The mix and composition of different plants creates the full multi- sensory experience. The choice of plant material needs to be safe, avoiding the use of any poisonous species. Touching nature is key to this, and the use of native and pollinator plant species is vital for enriching the biodiversity of these designed environments. The planting design for our new mental health schemes will go a long way to creating a matrix of rich habitats across our urban and hospital estates.
Maintenance considerations One of the challenges we always face as designers is the question of maintenance; indeed we always strive to design with maintenance in mind. Plants are living things, and do need to be maintained,
A nice green lawn is always a welcome feature, but does need mowing. Too much grass just to fill in space as ‘left over landscaping’ is not beneficial to the appearance of a scheme or its ecological value, and may lead to the place looking unkempt
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Biophilic images © copyright Iteriad
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