Design guidelines for a therapeutic roof garden : case of AUBMC oncology courtyard

Abstract

The field of healthcare design is currently fascinated with nature and landscape planning. This thesis draws on a number of academic writings to support its claim and to further emphasize the fundamental need for incorporating nature in healthcare facilities’ design. It is inspired by Roger Ulrich’s theory of stress, Rachel and Stephen Kaplan’s attention restoration theory and other theories as they develop from theory into practice through Marni Barnes and Clare Marcus. The study deals with the importance of nature in reducing stress levels and enhancing any healthcare facility users’ wellbeing. It highlights the impact of particular natural elements in improving the quality of the stay at the oncology floor at AUBMC. It includes a field survey containing a visual survey and a questionnaire, interviews and site observation analysis. Evidence of elevated stress rates at hospitals are presented in the first part. In consequence, a restoration plan is called for by incorporating green surroundings that would decrease stress levels. By concentrating the study on AUBMC, the thesis then identifies the impractical employment of the oncology floor’s courtyard, hence pursuing a design recommendation to put this unused space into utility. In the central section, the thesis presents the outcome of the conducted survey regarding the 8th floor in general and its courtyard in particular according to users’ participation in developing a guideline following a pre-occupancy strategy. The results provide clear input for replenishing AUBMC’s courtyard in order to restore health and improve mental status. In conclusion, this thesis argues that certain aspects in a garden are beneficial agents in healthcare facilities. Hospitals should aspire into growth and expansion in the medical field where nature can be complementary to medicinal treatments. For any healthcare facility to be considered truly futuristic, it has to incorporate natural surroundings that improve the general physical and m