Eitanim Hospital Theurapeutic Courtyards

Eitanim Illit Hospital is a psychiatric hospital that is part of the Jerusalem Center for Mental Health. The hospital is located in the Jerusalem mountains with a breathtaking view, but most of the patients hospitalized there did not enjoy its special location, in the absence of access from the closed wards to quality outdoor areas. In the only central courtyard that faced outside, in the past the view was hidden by an opaque stone wall and direct access from the various departments was prevented.
At the basis of the planning was the desire to realize the potential of the landscape that surrounds the place and reveal it to the patients and members of the treating staff. The renovated garden is an open environment, allowing human connection, providing privacy and an opportunity for physical activity and movement. The planning aimed to bring to the hospital natural daylight, stimulation of the senses and an experience of being in nature. This, while complying with strict safety rules against escape or loss of life. As part of the project, a comprehensive change was made to the courtyards and fencing, with the aim of creating a pleasant and safe place, which allows those who stay there a sense of freedom, in the hope that the garden will serve as a shelter, a comfort and a balm for the soul.