East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Roof Garden

Located on the fifth floor roof, the garden is being designed to complement the existing second floor courtyard and provide a tranquil place for families and staff to get away from the stressful hospital environment. The garden design employs a curvilinear motif, inspired by the Tennessee River and the native riverfront landscape. This motif is expressed with colored paving representing the river, wood decking that suggests bridge crossings and meadow plantings of perennials and grasses that move with the wind. There is also a large lawn panel where visitors may feel invited to take their shoes off, lie down and look at the clouds.

Prior to developing the design, IBI Group met with representatives of the hospital to understand the programming needs, budget and maintenance requirements. The design incorporates a variety of seating areas, accommodating the need for privacy, close proximity to the adjacent neo-natal intensive care unit, and space for outdoor dining.

Shade is provided by small ornamental trees and a shade structure, designed by BarberMcMurry, which incorporates fabric panels that are strategically placed above seating areas. A storage room for garden equipment is provided inside the building, adjacent to the staff area.