Company: Architecture 49
Date: 2007-2012
Location: Brandon

The Brandon Regional Hospital site provides full Radiation and Chemotherapy treatment for patients in Western Manitoba. Landscape Architect worked with the team to develop a site design and building form which provided a clean and light spatial environment integrating landscape with the interior. The shared areas like entrance and waiting form a strong linear element between two quadrants on either side, which was extended in the landscape by providing a healing courtyard garden.
The healing courtyard garden provides an inviting outdoor area which is viewed and experienced throughout the seasons. Positioned central to the whole facility, both staff and patients view the courtyard through glass walls on three sides of the building. During the warmer months, both patients and their caregivers are invited to enjoy the courtyard and perhaps even receive their treatments in the outdoors. The courtyard itself is organized especially towards the Chemotherapy area. The width of each treatment station on the east wall of the chemotherapy area is delineated in the courtyard with narrow pebble bands between the paving. Each segment in the courtyard contains a different planting and layout scheme such that patients can identify their preferred treatment chair. Seasonal planting will vary the experience of the patient, and perhaps influence where they receive treatment (“I will sit in the chair closest to the blooming coneflowers”). Overall, the courtyard intends to be a calming and cohesive asset which will be an integral part of the healing experience both to be viewed and experienced.
The vegetation for the courtyard is organized in horizontal strips to provide a consistent and calming pattern. Uniform vegetation will be planted in these strips with each row contrasting in color and texture to its neighbour. The plant material will be selected particularly to respond to the varying seasons including greens year round and spring and summer flowering species. With full southern exposure and a relatively sheltered environment, unique species of vegetation may be planted. However, sensitivity to fragrance and smells will also be respected in this hospital environment.



