Rooftop Garden of the O’Donnell Maternity Hospital by Padilla Nicás Arquitectos

Perched atop the Public Maternity and Pediatric Hospital Gregorio Marañón in Madrid, the Rooftop Garden represents a unique fusion of architecture, urban design, and therapeutic play. The hospital, originally designed in 2003 by Rafael Moneo in collaboration with José Mª de la Mata, provided a neutral and formal backdrop for this innovative project. Initiated by the Juegaterapia Foundation, the garden reimagines the hospital roof as an active, outdoor environment where hospitalized children can play, interact, and momentarily escape the confines of clinical routines. By creating a space that is both functional and imaginative, the project transforms an underutilized area into a vital hub of social, emotional, and physical wellbeing.

Design Philosophy and Concept

The architectural concept revolves around the idea of lightness, color, and playfulness. While the hospital’s glazed envelope exudes calm and neutrality, the garden introduces a vivid contrast through its multicolored pavement and curvilinear forms. These design elements are not only visually striking but also serve as wayfinding tools, guiding children through the space while subtly delineating activity zones.

Central to the design are the sculptural white concrete “clouds”, which float above the rooftop like abstract canopies. These forms vary in height and dimension, providing shade and protection from the sun while reflecting light and color to create a dynamic, ever-changing environment. Supported by delicate circular columns, the clouds appear weightless, emphasizing a sense of freedom and imagination. Their undersides feature intricate details—glass, perforations, and ceramic mosaics—enhancing the textural richness and inviting close interaction from children.

Spatial Organization and User Experience

The rooftop garden is carefully zoned to accommodate a variety of age groups and activities. The first zone, located near O’Donnell Street, is designed as a high-energy area with swings, slides, tricycles, a small performance stage, and a playful maze. This section encourages social interaction, active play, and physical movement, fostering energy release and emotional engagement.

A more contemplative zone is situated further along the roof, overlooking a nearby park. Here, older children and teenagers can enjoy interactive yet calmer activities, including table football, tangram puzzles, mini-golf, a telescope for observation, and a large irregular table with dual heights for group play or creative workshops. The spatial transition between these zones is enhanced by the hall of mirrors, an intentionally surprising passage that introduces delight and wonder, creating a seamless yet memorable journey across the garden.

Materiality and Architectural Expression

Material choices play a critical role in both aesthetics and functionality. The colored pavement provides a vibrant visual anchor, contrasting with the hospital’s subdued façade while clearly defining play areas. The sculptural clouds, constructed from durable yet visually light concrete, ensure long-term resilience while maintaining an ethereal quality. The use of semi-transparent mesh for the perimeter enclosure balances safety with openness, allowing long sightlines across Madrid’s urban landscape and integrating the rooftop garden into the city’s visual context.

The cloud structures extend beyond the roofline, acting as a visual signal to the surrounding city, hinting at the presence of this playful and transformative space. Viewed from the street, they communicate the garden’s purpose, creating an architectural dialogue between the hospital and its urban environment.

Enhancing Wellbeing Through Play

Beyond its architectural qualities, the rooftop garden is a socially and emotionally transformative space. By offering a dedicated area for outdoor play, the project improves the daily experience of hospitalized children and their families. It provides opportunities for imaginative exploration, social interaction, and physical activity, all of which contribute to mental and emotional resilience. The abstract, dreamlike quality of the design allows children to project their own stories and fantasies, making each visit unique and personal.

Through its combination of color, form, and interactive design, the garden becomes more than a play area—it serves as a therapeutic extension of the hospital, bridging the gap between clinical care and holistic wellbeing. It creates moments of joy, surprise, and discovery, turning the rooftop into a sanctuary where children can momentarily leave behind the challenges of hospitalization.

A Dialogue Between Architecture and Community

The Rooftop Garden exemplifies the potential of architecture to foster community, engagement, and healing. Its integration of playful forms, interactive elements, and vibrant materiality demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform overlooked spaces into highly meaningful environments. By connecting children to nature, light, and outdoor activity, the project also reinforces the hospital’s broader mission of care, comfort, and human-centered design.

In essence, the rooftop garden is a symbol of hope and imagination, a space where design, play, and health converge. Its presence atop the O’Donnell Maternity Hospital enriches not only the lives of its young users but also the city itself, offering a visible, joyful landmark that celebrates the power of creativity, architecture, and community.

Photography: José Hevia