The Royal London Hospital: Participatory design research for a therapy garden revitalisation

Root and Erect facilitated a workshop during the Royal London Hospital’s Sustainability Day to reimagine an underutilised internal space within the outpatient therapy and physiotherapy department. Known as the Therapy Garden, this courtyard presented an opportunity to create a healing environment that supports patient recovery, particularly for those rehabilitating hand injuries.

The workshop invited patients, staff, and hospital users to contribute ideas and engage in creative expression, using everyday hand tools as a medium for making artwork. This tactile approach connected the therapeutic function of the garden with the lived experiences of its users, fostering a sense of ownership and participation.Feedback gathered throughout the day helped shape a brief for the garden’s transformation, reflecting the diverse needs and aspirations of its community. The collective input culminated in the installation titled Garden of Everyday - a temporary artwork that both animated the space and symbolised the forthcoming changes. This participatory process highlighted the importance of involving users in the design of healthcare environments to promote wellbeing and empowerment. The project set the stage for a therapy garden that is not only functional and accessible but also resonant with the healing narratives of those who use it daily.