In 2022, Prostorož has been researching the open spaces surrounding the clinics of the University Medical Center of Ljubljana (UMC) and the nearby Oncology Institute. Although healthcare professionals, patients, and their relatives are the main users of these areas, they are rarely involved in the discussion about those spaces. Over the last year, we have been exploring their point of view - what is the current user experience of these spaces for patients and healthcare professionals? What does the space around clinics need to facilitate? What are the needs of the users of these open spaces? Our user experience research took place from January to November 2022. We observed the behaviour of 583 users using Good Public Space analysis*, completed 373 surveys, held 5 workshops, conducted 7 interviews, installed 16 test benches (which now remain in place) and collected 113 initiatives at a planning booth.

Not enough benches, bike racks, greenery and trees

The results show that users are well aware of the problems present in the hospital open spaces, and can identify their shortcomings very precisely. The lack of bike racks, bike sheds and designated spaces for socialising and having lunch breaks were the most frequently mentioned issues by UMC employees. Patients mainly pointed out that there were no places where they could wait for their medical examination, for transport or for their relatives. They complained about obstacles on the sidewalks, and the fact that clinics are poorly signposted. Both staff and patients often pointed out that there are not enough benches and not enough greenery. Employees suggested solving these issues with atriums and green roofs. Patients, who are often faced with stressful news and difficult decisions when visiting the clinics, also miss having places to relax and retreat to privacy. 

We applied the findings of the user experience research to four typical public spaces: a square, a street, a promenade and a riverbank. We prepared conceptual proposals for the renovation of the square by the ER, the Ljubljanica river bank by the Oncology Institute, the promenade to the main building of the UMC and part of Zaloška Street.

The Ljubljanica riverbank, a quiet haven for oncology patients

For too long, the space around the clinics of the UMC Ljubljana and the Oncology Institute has been almost entirely subject to the needs of car traffic. Our analysis shows that many oncology patients walk at least part of the way to the clinic. However, the embankment of Šuštarjevo nabrežje, where the entrance to the Institute is currently located, is extremely hostile to pedestrians. With no sidewalk on one side of the road and numerous obstacles, including wrongly parked cars, the route is extremely difficult for vulnerable patients. There is also a lack of benches and spaces to wait for transport after a visit. The embankment is exposed to strong sunlight due to its southern position and the lack of shade makes it impossible for waiting patients to escape the summer heat. We propose that the improvement work started by the Municipality of Ljubljana on the nearby Petkovškovo nabrežje, including the planting of an avenue, traffic calming and landscaping of the embankment for greater contact with the Ljubljanica River, should be continued on Šuštarjevo nabrežje. On the river side, we propose a wide and comfortable pedestrian area and wide crossings marked by clear sidewalk elements. This arrangement would critically improve patient access to the Oncology Institute. It is clear that since the area received a new traffic regime in 2021, the situation has further deteriorated: 56 new parking spaces have not significantly improved the parking problem, and the situation for pedestrians and cyclists has only gotten worse. 

Entrances to the ER and Pharmacy could form a square

A platform, situated between Njegoševa and Bohoričeva street, forms the entrance to the Emergency Room (ER) and the only 24-hour pharmacy in Ljubljana.  It is one of the busiest locations in the area, a meeting point for healthcare professionals, patients, their relatives, as well as local residents. The area is well accessible and free of car traffic, which is very promising – but on the other hand, there is a lack of seating, and in the summer the platform gets extremely hot, as there is no shade on the premises. It is also untidy, with cigarette butts littering the floor, haphazardly parked bicycles and misplaced advertising boards. Patients also noted that the entrance to the ER is hard to find due to poor signage. We suggest that the space be developed into a square with trees in raised planters, a canopy over the ER entrance, additional benches, a drinking fountain and greenery wherever possible - on the roofs of the surrounding buildings and in the form of green walls. Given that the garage driveway is already used as an informal cycle lane, and since it serves as the main pedestrian point of access from Bohoričeva Street, it would also make sense to make the driveway safe for pedestrians and improve bicycle parking.

The Zaloška crossing:  a longer promenade, a clearer way

The area around the clinic is primarily designed to accomodate car traffic – nowhere is this more apparent than in the busy pedestrian crossing on Zaloška Street. Traffic exits, short pedestrian intervals, planters, a narrow crossing and numerous vehicles parked outside car parks make the area very hostile to pedestrians. Pedestrians in a hurry often cross red lights, ignoring the marked crossings. A small square with large trees at the southern end of the road is the only shaded area, but it tends to be blocked by parked vehicles more often than not, and, until earlier this year, it did not have any benches. The space is the main entry point and hub for all clinics in the southern and eastern parts of the medical area. Patients who come to the clinic by bus or who park in the nearby parking garage look for their clinic here, but find it difficult to orient themselves due to numerous fences, vehicles and a lack of signs. In order to improve the navigation and visibility of the area, we propose to widen the pedestrian crossing, remove unnecessary fences and wrongly parked vehicles, establish drop-off points, place additional benches, better signage and additional green elements with trees and parterre planting.

Barrier-free UMC promenade for the physically and visually impaired

The promenade to the main building of the UMC is one of the most recognisable spaces and a major landmark in the area. During workshops and walks, healthcare professionals and patient representatives pointed out some of the space's shortcomings: the route from Zaloška street to the entrance of the UMC is too long for the elderly and the sick. Cars, as well as the free shuttle between clinics, 'Klinko Kavalir', can only stop at the very beginning of the promenade, leaving impaired patients to traverse the considerable length on foot. Steep ramps and stairs in pairs make the promenade difficult or even impossible to access for wheelchair users. Additionally, the promenade offers no shade in the summer,  and users complain about insufficient seating space. The promenade could be transformed into a single-level platform with a low incline without any major changes to the heritage of the original architect, Stanko Kristl. If the promenade were laid out without steep ramps, the shuttle would be able to take patients right to the entrance of the medical center. There is also enough space for additional benches in the shade.