Sustainability of Ageing Hospital Environment through Revitalization of Landscape Design

Abstract

In early days, the concept of provision of healthcare facilities were borne out of needs only, but recently they are based on needs, eligibility and ability in carrying of socio-economic functions to the community- being environmental friendly, providing environmental psychological-therapy, adding value and attracting economic benefits. Healthcare providers are now aware of the new trends in ensuring sustainability– involving modifications in design programmes of infrastructure developments. Mother of Christ Specialist Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria, an aged-long healthcare facility in the country is a case study. Due to environmental dilapidation, degradation and neglect of the hospital as regards its age and present status in meeting the needs of environmental demands, the scenario portrays dehumanized environment - disorderly and untidy informal activities within the courtyards and surrounding open spaces; which possibly is putting people in the worst frame of mind. The study aims at a design of outdoor spaces that entails understanding the problems, and evolving solutions in respective areas- capturing human values, creation of comfortable and familiar environment that people can enjoy. The proposal was achieved by making the design solution valid for all groups involved- stemming the design goals from analysis of the needs ,desires and values of the would be users by adopting problem oriented-approach, and applying  unobtrusive measures in conjunction with other methods. The forms of each courtyards and surrounding open spaces within the buildings and beyond with their informal activities generated the form of the landscape design solution; resulting in the setup of consistent aesthetic and plan form of which their requirements fell happily into freer forms which were not forced. Thus, the design presents inviting, welcoming and cheerful scenario that people can go or stay as they wish.

Keywords: Sustainability, Ageing, Hospital, Revitalization and Landscape Design.