Hospital Landscaping as a Therapeutic Environment

Author: Harry McQue (see footer for details)

Revised Publication date:  29 Nov 2025

Introduction

Hospital landscaping as a therapeutic environment has gained renewed importance in the UK, particularly following the introduction of the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) in the 1990s. PFI, while now not being used for major public project funding,  encouraged healthcare organisations to rethink hospital design beyond buildings alone and to recognise external spaces as an integral part of patient recovery, staff wellbeing, and visitor experience. That, however, was not the only reason. World population in general and industry pundits and specialists backed by scientists and green movements around the world, are increasingly becoming aware of the urgent need to reduce pollution and increase green plantation. Hence various organisation and benchmarks such as BREEAM are now used worldwide.

Hospital design managers increasingly acknowledge that specialist knowledge and evidence-based design have helped create hospitals that actively support healing, wellbeing, and clinical outcomes.

The Role of Landscaping in Hospital Design

Landscaping around hospitals and clinics plays a vital role in shaping first impressions and overall experience. Well-designed green spaces enhance aesthetics while also supporting mental and emotional wellbeing.

For patients, landscaped views provide a calming distraction from clinical settings. For staff and visitors, these environments offer visual relief and spaces for short restorative breaks during demanding days.

Trees and planting also improve air quality, provide shade, and reduce glare. These benefits contribute to a healthier and more comfortable hospital environment for all users.

hospital building landscape

Environmental Benefits of Hospital Landscaping

Beyond appearance, hospital landscaping as a therapeutic environment delivers measurable environmental benefits. Strategically placed trees can reduce cold winter winds and provide cooling shade during summer months.

Landscaping can also mitigate some negative environmental impacts associated with large healthcare facilities. Reduced heat gain, improved microclimates, and lower energy demand all contribute to more sustainable hospital operations.

At a global level, deforestation continues to contribute to climate change. Organisations such as Greenpeace actively raise awareness of environmental degradation and promote sustainable land use practices. Healthcare developments that incorporate thoughtful landscaping can play a small but meaningful role in addressing these challenges.

Functional and Ecological Value of Landscaped Hospital Grounds

Carefully planned hospital landscaping supports more than wellbeing and sustainability. It can be used to:

• Guide pedestrian movement and improve wayfinding
• Separate public, clinical, and service routes
• Encourage biodiversity and local wildlife
• Improve site security through natural surveillance
• Enhance long-term property value

When integrated early in the design process, landscaped spaces become a functional extension of the healthcare environment rather than an afterthought.

Implications for Therapeutic Hospital Environments

As hospitals evolve into complex, patient-centred facilities, landscaping must be considered part of the wider therapeutic strategy. Access to nature, daylight, and outdoor spaces has been shown to support recovery, reduce stress, and improve staff satisfaction.

Hospital landscaping as a therapeutic environment therefore represents both a design opportunity and a responsibility for healthcare planners, architects, and project teams.

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