Centre for Health Science

In 2006, Christopher Palmer Associates were appointed as landscape architects for the Centre for Health Science, based in Scotland's Highland capital city, Inverness. The Centre is a focus for excellence in healthcare and biotechnology research, education, training and business development, the first of its kind in the UK.

Located adjacent to Inverness's Raigmore Hospital, this muli-million pound facility represents a major milestone in adding to the already significant cluster of health science activity in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

The Centre for Health Science has already opened Phase 1 of its development with Phases 2 and 3 due for completion in the summer of 2008.

The aim of the Centre is to instigate collaboration, knowledge transfer, improved clinical outcomes, publications and commercialisation.

The completed Phase 1 landscape works centre on the frontage to the Phase 1 building and include natural stone paving and insitu concrete planters, which also function as informal seating. Planting is designed within the constraints of the overflight path of the air ambulance helicopter and tree selection is informed by this.

Phases 2 and 3, to be completed in 2008 includes an enclosed courtyard to be used as a ‘break out space’ for lunchtime recreation and is linked to an internal glazed street and cafeteria. Occupational Therapy will also use the courtyard.

Christopher Palmer Associates have been working with environmental artist Jackie Donnachie and Keppie Architects. The courtyard will include a large heated disc sculpture and seat designed by Jackie and utilising waste heat from the building. Planting in the courtyard will include medicinal plants labeled to provide information about their origin and past and present medicinal uses.

The project is sponsored by the European Regional Development Fund and HIE Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Contractor: Tulloch Construction Ltd
Architects: Keppie Design
Artist: Jacqueline Donnachie
Structural Engineer: Fairhurst
Mechanical Engineer: K J Tait
Link: www.centreforhealthscience.com