Landscape Projects collaborated with artist Susan Trangmar on a project for a new roof garden at Leeds General Infirmary.

The garden situated on the 5th floor, is close to the intensive care wards, and is where patients are placed to recover from major operations.

The garden ideas developed around the idea of a garden as an escape from the intensity of the hospital for patients, staff and visitors, and the requirements of a therapeutic environment which could begin the process of reconnecting patients to the world again. The garden design exploits the wonderful views over the city.

The collaboration between artist and landscape architect developed around the process of lighting in the garden. We noticed how the skyline of the hills surrounding Leeds illuminated the topography, and how each pinpoint of light could represent a specific life or place. We noticed how aeroplanes overhead created an animated sky of lights. And we saw how important the terrace would be for a night-time refuge from the hospital activities.

We chose to create our own grid of lights, set into a timber surface below, which would enhance a sense of connection with the world beyond the garden.