According to published evidence within the field of healthcare design, there are multiple factors that contribute to a healing environment. Views of nature and aesthetic surroundings are some of the key contributors to the user experience and thereby the healing process, along with daylight, legible wayfinding, a flexible floorplan, private patient rooms, noise reduction and lighting. Top priorities for the architects at C.F. Møller, when designing the Springfield University Hospital, were to imbue the new hospitals with daylight and direct access to planted gardens.

“We were very focused on creating planted gardens and not sterile courtyards. Planted gardens within which you can observe the changing seasons and experience the sights, smells, and textures of living nature. Gardens to bring biodiversity and therapeutic relief into a high-density health institution,” says Sam Whatman, architect and director of C.F. Møller Architects’ London branch.

Springfield University Hospital is based on the concept of evidence-based architecture to provide therapeutic surroundings for patients and wellbeing for staff and visitors.
The Springfield University Hospital is at the centre of a 33 hectare estate regeneration, and C.F. Møller Architects has advised the NHS Trust in the planning and phasing of the surrounding residential development and urban design around the hospital, including the conversion of the former golf course into a new public park.

The hospital consists of two distinct buildings and provides a range of adult inpatient wards along with adult and children’s outpatient services, Recovery College, teaching facilities and support services. The hospital buildings also incorporate retail shops and several floors of carparks that will serve both the hospital and the emerging residential plots that are being developed around the hospital.

The design is focused on creating non-institutional environments with good sightlines and acoustics, ample daylight, natural ventilation, access to gardens and outdoor spaces are key design objectives. The aspiration is to create a calming and safe environment, as well as optimal working conditions for staff. The design incorporates open plan areas at the centre of each ward to create a light and airy environment with strong visual and physical connections to adjacent external garden courtyards. The layouts generally allow easy overview of the ward entrance and of the majority of patient circulation areas. The design has sought to eliminate blind corners where possible.

Read about Springfield University Hospital.