Nature as Part of Critical Care
BMJ Architects acted as lead consultant for the UK’s first patient-accessible critical care roof garden, delivered as the final phase of the King’s College Critical Care Centre at Denmark Hill. Located above the hospital’s main operating theatres, the development forms part of the largest critical care facility of its kind in the UK.
King's Critical Care Roof Garden
The UK’s first patient-accessible critical care roof garden. Video provided by King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Evidence Informed Design for Recovery
Designed in response to growing evidence linking nature and wellbeing, the roof garden creates a safe and accessible outdoor environment for critically ill patients, their families and healthcare staff. From the earliest stages of the project, BMJ worked with clinicians, patients and creative partners to explore how art, landscape and natural environments could positively influence the critical care experience.
The garden supports pioneering research into the impact of environment on patient recovery and is believed to be the first facility of its kind in the world. Equipped with medical gases, data connections and resuscitation provision, it allows patients receiving life-support treatment to safely access fresh air, daylight and planting while remaining within a clinically supported environment.
Concept and Strategy
Working with Professor Nigel Dunnett and award-winning garden designer Sarah Price, BMJ helped create a landscape that supports recovery, reorientation and wellbeing. The design maximises views towards the surrounding landscape, including Grade II listed Ruskin Park, strengthening the connection between patients and the natural world.
The carefully considered planting strategy introduces seasonal interest, colour and texture, creating an environment that feels restorative and engaging throughout the year while remaining appropriate for a healthcare setting.
Explore the Details
Research shows that time spent in nature can reduce delirium, improve recovery outcomes, and lift the spirits of patients and their families. It's important to treat the whole person, and this outdoor critical care unit helps meet our goal of caring for the mind as well as the body.”
Clinical Director of Critical Care at King's College Hospital
Redefining Critical Care Environments
More than a roof garden, the project demonstrates how evidence-informed design can support better healthcare outcomes. By combining clinical functionality with restorative outdoor space, it provides lasting benefits for patients, families and staff while helping to redefine what critical care environments can be.
The project challenges traditional assumptions about critical care design, showing how specialist healthcare environments can support both advanced clinical treatment and the wellbeing of those who use them.
Kings College Hospital CCU Rooftop Garden
Malcolm Hankey Interview.
