of positive sensory stimulation. She explained: “The knowledge and
understanding of these principles, along with consultation with our client
and other design professionals, guided us in all aspects of the therapeutic
design process at this referral hospital. We also explored the relatively new
concept of Horticultural Therapy and hope that our efforts will result in
this programme being offered by the hospital. The success of the design, of
course, also depends on the people who use the spaces.”
The objective of the design, both soft and hard landscaping, was to meet
within reason every possible need that those utilising the hospital facility –
patients, their families and staff – would have while on the premises. Comrie
maintains that the needs of people are more important than perfect aesthetics
in all landscape design. The intention was that there should be at least one
place where every person coming to the hospital could have a positive
sensory or emotional experience. “The joy experienced in nature is well-
known and children respond so well to flowers almost from the day they are
born,” she added.
There are five ‘internal’ courtyards on two levels at the hospital and five
external garden spaces. All of these have specific functions that relate to the
programming of the hospital, including psychological, physical and play
therapies. The selection of almost entirely South African indigenous plants
was made by consultant landscape architect Dr Erika van den Berg based
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