DYKEBAR HOSPITAL ~ JOURNEYS AND PATHWAYS

Jane Kelly developed ambitious detailed designs for the central courtyard, these were supported by the client team, however the required additional; funding to realise her work have proved difficult to secure. Jane has therefore now focussed on working with the OT department to provide a small garden and reflective area adjacent to the Acute Unit.



A Courtyard Garden ~ Research and Concept Design

The context of this proposal is -

1 the art programme which is part of Dykebar Hospital's ongoing development of healthcare provision and site re -evaluation.

2 the aims of the art programme which include integrating art within the hospital site, and creating both links and a sense of place for staff, users and visitors.

3 the aspiration to make a positive and stimulating environment for all which promotes recovery, including de-institutionalising the experience of being in hospital.


The process for this stage has involved -

1 research and consultation, concept and outline design, and indicative costing.

2 this methodology in the expectation that the process and the project will continue into and through detail design, final costing and implementation stages.


The research and consultation has concentrated on -

1 the rich history of agricultural and horticultural site use in relation to clinical care and therapeutic activities.

2 wide ranging discussions and consultation with staff

3 the subsequent perceived need of the hospital's community of patients, staff and visitors for a 'core' space to gather for both social functions and also to use for therapeutic gardening activities.

4 the design opportunities of how the courtyard physically and historically relates to the OT Department, of how It is linked to other parts of the building by the surrounding corridors and how high visibility, security and protection from inside and outside is provided by the glazed walls and doors.

5 the design constraints of either physical exposure, lack of security or no current use within the other potential sites


The concept has evolved from -

1 the horticultural and agricultural history of the site which Inspired the idea to create a contemporary courtyard as a memory of the lost lands and gardens now being sold off by the Trust.

2 the discussions and consultations with the OT Department around their history of enthusiastically restoring the courtyard, often with very limited funds and sometimes on a voluntary basis in their own time.

3 the growing success of horticultural therapy within the UK which inspired the idea that the practice could be re-introduced to the hospital via the courtyard space and led by the supported OT Department.

4 the history of the success role of walled gardens in the west of Scotland.

View full courtyard image

The outline design proposes -

1 to replace the existing courtyard with a contemporary design based on developing the current rectilinear layout but which offers the economic advantage of using current drainage and the creative potential of level variation.

2 to define three different but linked areas within the new design which are a social space, a quiet space and a horticultural space.



3 the social space, accessed from the OT corridor, would be used for a range of gatherings and would include paving, gravel, pergola, barbeque, moveable garden furniture, water feature, lighting and sculptural planting.

4 the quiet space would occupy what is now the sunken garden, but at a reduced size and would include a paved winding path from ramp to ramp, gravelled corners with sitting walls and seats, and sensory planting.



5 the horticultural space would be accessed up the ramp and from outside, and would include an equipped greenhouse and garden shed, compost, bark and gravel bays and planting beds to grow fruit, vegetables and herbs.

6 the renovation of the glazed walls via power washing, repainting and some re-glazing of outer walls with translucent coloured acrylic material.

7 the painting of some brick and render wall colour to fit In with an overall warm colour and material palette.

8 the need for Management and the Trust to commit to long term maintenance via funding of a sustainability strategy.



The Implementation would achieve ~

* a healthy growing therapeutic garden space for 'use and delight'

* an enhanced environment to support the healing process

* a walking place for fresh air and exercise

* a quiet place for privacy and respite

* a new social ‘heart’ for both the hospital and wider community

References Include ~

* Ulrich R (1984) Views through a window may influence recovery from surgery - Science 224:240-421

* Kaplan S (1995) The Restorative Benefits of Nature - Journal of Environmental Psychology

* Coulter A (1999) Healing Gardens : When Nature is the Therapy-Alternative and Complementary Therapies

* Kelly J & Reilly D (2002) Hospital greenspace as an aid to healthcare - National Urban Forestry Unit

* Laws B (1999) Artists' Gardens - Ward Lock, London

* Aben R & de Wit S (1999) The Enclosed Garden

* Wllson J (2005) Communing with nature - Hospital Development

* Levin A (2004) Growing Stronger - The Botanics

* Carpman J & Grant M (1993) Design that Cares

* Various Authors (1909-24) Renfrew District Council Annual Reports

jane kelly april 2005