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West Dereham Garden, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
A sketch of the dementia-friendly garden at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn. © PRP
Typology: Dementia care | Location: King’s Lynn
A set of design principles for dementia-friendly spaces guide this new hospital garden
PRP Architects, King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust.
In architecture, landscape design plays a vital role, particularly in healthcare settings such as dementia care facilities. At PRP Architects our aspiration is always to create safe, accessible spaces for vulnerable adults and older individuals with cognitive and sensory impairments. Through landscape, we strive to infuse joy into everyone’s lives, particularly those facing difficulties or nearing life’s end. Our collaborations extend to charities, local authorities, the NHS, housing associations, and private developers.
The West Dereham Garden is a testament to one particular collaboration with the King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust. The client envisioned creating a tranquil, dementia-friendly garden space for patients, carers, and staff of the West Dereham Ward at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, Norfolk. To avoid a clinical ambience, the ward features a memory wall and local photographs, which will be further accentuated by the garden, designed as a natural extension of the ward.
Alongside the Housing Learning and Improvement Network, PRP Architects contributed to a set of design principles that direct the creation of dementia-friendly outdoor spaces, ensuring they meet the needs of both residents and their carers.
Within these, ‘Access’, ‘Movement’ and ‘Orientation’ are crucial elements in the design of dementia-friendly gardens. Paths are typically level, clear, and easy to navigate to all mobility needs, with features such as trees or other landmarks providing navigational cues. Continuous walking routes, without dead ends, encourage patients to explore freely while reducing the risk of disorientation.
The principle of ‘Memory and Mental Mapping’ is supported by the inclusion of familiar elements that help stimulate memories. Sensory features such as fragrant plants and visually striking flowers play a significant role in activating cognitive function. Raised planting beds allow residents to engage in gardening, offering a sense of routine and purpose, which can be particularly beneficial in recalling memories and providing structure to daily activities.
‘Sensory Stimulation’ is integral to dementia-friendly gardens, with carefully selected plants and textures offering multi-sensory experiences. Strongly scented herbs and vibrant, textured plants stimulate the senses, helping residents stay connected to their surroundings.
Finally, ‘Shelter and Shade’ ensures year-round access to the garden, with pergolas, trees, and shaded seating areas providing comfort and protection from the elements. This ensures the garden can be enjoyed in different weather conditions, further enhancing its value as a therapeutic space.
By adhering to our four core design principles and involving the hospital community in its creation and upkeep, the garden will promote independence and freedom for the patients. The activities facilitated in the garden will instil a sense of normality and structure into daily routines, contributing significantly to a comprehensive treatment plan in conjunction with medical assistance.
I am not a natural gardener; I don’t have green fingers, but I know the value of co-production – to work with those who will be benefiting from the garden in order to create a space that will be calming and offer patients and carers what they would like to see. I was surprised that people with dementia wanted so much activity within their surroundings
It is essential to include the opinions of end users, and make sure patients and carers have as much opportunity as possible to design the garden.
Emma Harrison is Patient Experience and Public Involvement Lead at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn
