HOSPITAL GREEN SPACES AS DESIGNED NATURE FOR RECOVERY AND RECREATION: CASE STUDY NITRA, SLOVAKIA

The article provides an overview of main theories and research related to the design of outdoor environments in healthcare facilities. The positive effects of greenery on human health are well known. They are significant especially in therapeutic and healing gardens. Hospital grounds are often large areas with high abundance of vegetation situated in densely urbanised areas of cities. Their ecosystem services are therefore of crucial importance for patients, visitors, hospital employees and residents. This paper presents different approaches to open and green space design for the Faculty Hospital in Nitra - a significant open green space in the wider city centre with a high potential to become an important area for healing and recreation. Students worked on the assignment in ten design groups, within three design studios. The paper presents some of their design solutions.