Working with a small, enthusiastic, and passionate group of staff and friends, and initially architects Warren and Mahoney, RMM have designed a podium garden for Waipapa, the new extension to Christchurch Hospital. RMM provided detailed design and contract administration for this project. The third-floor podium visually connects with the leafy canopy of the adjacent Botanic gardens. The concept of familiarity underpins the design of this garden terrace, appropriately named Te Marino.

This will be a garden for patients, staff, visitors, and nature to cohabit. A garden visually pleasing and soothing for those patient rooms with overlook too. Planters, overflowing with greenery and flowers of both native and exotic plants connect with Ōtautahi, our place. Elements of nature that are demonstrated to have positive and restorative influences on our moods are woven through the courtyard.

Within this soft green framework, street art will see the two ventilation stacks become engaging narratives of colour and life. Timber decking, seating, tables, and an artificial turf mound will invite use, providing opportunity for exploration, respite, reflection, solace, observation, dreaming, chatter, and play. The use of curvilinear rather than rectangular shapes is purposeful.
We hope Te Marino will help promote relief from symptoms, stress reduction and an improvement in overall sense of wellbeing and hopefulness for those using and/or looking out onto the garden.

Some of the imagery has been supplied by Warren and Mahoney.