Austin-Smith:Lord LLP Glasgow were appointed by NHS GG&C/Hub West Scotland in November 2016 as landscape architects to deliver public realm and secure external spaces (courtyards & gardens) for the new Acute Admission Unit (AAU) and Hospital Based Complex Clinical Care Unit (CCC) at Stobhill Hospital.

The ambition for the New Mental Health Estate at Stobhill Hospital is to create a welcoming, caring and non-clinical environment.

The New Stobhill Hospital Mental Health Estate landscape will consist of:

PUBLIC REALM
The public spaces surrounding the new AAU & CCC buildings should enhance the new buildings’ setting whilst providing quality pedestrian connections to the main building entrances,

cycle parking and car parking (disabled and emergency) along the main building elevation.

SECURE EXTERNAL SPACES FOR PATIENTS, STAFF AND VISITORS (GARDENS & COURTYARDS):
It is widely acknowledged that contact with Nature helps with mental health issues and facilitates the healing process. The Gardens and Courtyards should therefore be designed to suit various patient needs and provide a practical and pleasant environment for patients and staff alike as well as a wide range of experiences and activities.

Although the AAU and CCC buildings are separate units, each accomodating patients with different needs, the brief requires that all external spaces should be futureproofed i.e. designed to suitable elderly/dementia-friendly standards in case the AAU unit needs to be converted into a CCC ward in the future.