In the heart of London, a quiet revolution is underway, one that is set to transform the way we experience our urban environments. At the forefront of this movement is Scott Carroll and LDA Design, landscape architects whose visionary projects are redefining the relationship between people and nature.
Their work at Great Ormond Street Hospital, a renowned children's medical facility, is a prime example of how biophilic design can heal the wounds of the built environment.
"Great Ormond Street Hospital, in common with many of London's hospitals, faces massive challenges in the streets and spaces around it," Scott explains. "It's a vehicle-dominated environment, lacking in high-quality space for people and nature." The consequences are dire, with air pollution levels exceeding World Health Organization recommendations and a severe shortage of green spaces for the hospital community and local residents.
But Scott and his team have a bold vision. By reclaiming vehicle space and introducing a rich, curated planted environment, they aim to create the UK's first "healthy hospital street." This pioneering approach will not only reduce harmful emissions but also provide a sensory oasis for patients, staff, and visitors alike.
"We're applying biophilic design through patterns and design opportunities," Scott says. "The first layer is about creating prospect and refuge, exploration, and discovery. The second is about introducing natural sensory content, primarily through a carefully curated planted environment."
The transformative impact of this project is not lost on Scott. "When you think about the impact we have and the people that we reach, this is such a fantastic opportunity to put biophilic benefits and outcomes right at the heart of people's experience," he says.
But Great Ormond Street is just one piece of Scott's ambitious portfolio. Across the city, at the East Bank Stratford Waterfront development, they are leading the design of a new cultural and educational district that seamlessly blends people, culture, and nature.
"It's a really unique blend," Scott enthuses. "You'll see groups of school children sat on the terraces, working like an outdoor classroom, learning about the park and the environment. And then you'll have the first event that Sadler's Wells put on, with hip-hop dancers on the same terraces."
As the project slowly unfolds, Scott finds himself increasingly inspired by the transformative power of biophilic design. "Every time I go there, there's something new that I see that I just find inspirational," he says.
In a world increasingly dominated by concrete and steel, Scott's work stands as a testament to the healing power of nature. By weaving biophilic principles into the fabric of our cities, he is not only improving physical and mental well-being but also fostering a deeper connection between people and the natural world.
https://www.queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk/east-bank
https://www.sadlerswells.com/about-us/sadlers-wells-east-a-power-house-for-dance/
Great Ormond Street Hospital and LDA Design, Reimagining Great Ormond Street won the award for Health and Place at the Thornton Education Trust Inspire Future Generations Awards https://www.thorntoneducationtrust.org/ifgawards2024winnersandcommendations
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