St John’s Hospital Bath, Strategic Review of Landscape Spaces
St Johns Hospital comprises a complex of city centre almshouses arranged around a series of courtyards and small urban garden spaces with a history stretching back some 800 years. Over a number of years, previously attractive garden spaces had declined and their original design eroded, and other spaces always had a somewhat utilitarian treatment that did little to enhance the quality of the historic listed buildings or to provide amenity spaces for residents. This background coupled with a need to review and enhance access in line with the Disability Discrimination Act led to The New Leaf Studio being commissioned to undertake a strategic review of external spaces. 

Over a number of years, previously attractive garden spaces had declined and their original design eroded, and other spaces always had a somewhat utilitarian treatment that did little to enhance the quality of the historic listed buildings or to provide amenity spaces for residents. This background coupled with a need to review and enhance access in line with the Disability Discrimination Act led to The New Leaf Studio being commissioned to undertake a strategic review of external spaces. 

Our input included:

  • Preparation of site and vegetation survey and analysis.
  • Strategic review of each space identifying positive and negative elements and potential for improvement.
  • Survey of residents views.
  • Sketch proposals for re-modelling key spaces.
Outline proposals for improving access to gardens and entrances to buildings ensuring that ramps were integrated as part of the design of spaces rather than an ugly “add-on” feature.