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Overall garden layout Creating a setting that is comfortable and of ers positive distractions is attain- able in many parts of a cancer center site. This can be done in both simple and more complex ways that might include: » A pleasant pathway from the park- ing lot to the entrance nicely plant- ed, clearly signed and well-lit » A secluded patio where staf can fi nd diversion from treatment areas » An outdoor breakout space near conference or meeting rooms » Views to an adjacent land- scape from patient rooms » A roof garden One example of these intentional landscapes is the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake's Kaufman Center in Bel Air, Maryland. Located entirely over structure, there are accessible gardens on two dif erent levels — at the main entry and at the infusion center on the second level. A third garden, also on the second level, is an extensive system, which satisfi es stormwater require- ments and is visible, but not accessible. Goals for the cancer center addition focused on attention to the patient experi- ence — inviting patients, family and staf to experience the outdoor spaces in many ways. The main garden is comprised of a series of garden rooms, connected by a circular walk and pathways to multiple entrances to the building. These garden rooms include the shade garden, the sensory garden, the tranquility garden, the water garden and the grotto — each with its own focus and special elements. Inside/outside Providing views from the interior spaces to the outdoors is a critical ele- ment of landscape design that blends the architecture with the landscape and allows access to the spaces visually, if not physically, for some patients. At Upper Chesapeake, new doors connecting the cancer center with the main hospital are all glass, and the gar- den is the fi rst thing visitors see as they enter. Similar colors, patterns and materi- als extend from the inside lobby to the outside — interior and exterior walls, for example, both incorporate ledge stone. The infusion center has generous windows to the garden and direct ac- cess to it. This garden is not visible to the rest of the hospital, and access to it is limited to that unit alone. It is not uncom- mon for patients to be seen in the garden during some of their actual treatment. Water elements Fountains are soothing and contemplative features found in many healthcare settings that provide an important positive distrac- tion in facilities able to incorporate them. At the Kaufman Center, fountains are included in several of the gardens. In the main garden, a two-sided fountain invites visitors to touch the water on one side and features a more animated element on the plaza side, where water sheets down a gran- ite wall and small jets pop up in the pool be- low. The small water garden includes water spilling over two tiered vases into a bed of beach pebbles. The sensory garden features a natural stone bowl with a small bub- bler in the center. Each fountain provides important white noise, a focal point and encourages birds that animate the garden. At the Baltimore Washington Medi- cal Center's Tate Cancer Center in Glen Burnie, Maryland, a terraced water feature fi lls the view of the infusion center, provid- ing a constantly changing focal point and diversion for patients during treatment. From top: Easily visible through generous windows, the garden invites people to come outdoors. > Bubblers, beach pebbles and a band of horsetail guide visitors to the main entry at Upper Chesapeake. The height of the planting will screen the view of adjacent parked cars from people seated in the lobby. 44 Medical Construction & Design | JA N UA RY/ F EBRUA RY 2015 | MCDM AG.COM