The 266-bed Santa Monica UCLA Orthopaedic Hospital and Medical Center is a new community and academic facility developed as a courtyard building with various wings enclosing outdoor garden areas. The project’s landscaped gardens and courts provide quiet, contemplative spaces via lush micro-climates. Designed to conserve water, reduce maintenance, and reduce storm water runoff by collecting it on-site, the oxygen-rich micro-climates retain moisture and reduce overall summer temperatures. With the formal entry set back from Wilshire Boulevard, an open, public park greets visitors and employees. The space was designed to act as a cool, quiet entry foyer and waiting area for patients, their families and staff. The Hospital Dining Terrace also overlooks this space. Secondary side entries such as a terraced Entry Garden off of 15th street provides seating under a grove of Olive trees, and integrates ADA access. The Great Lawn, with an allee of specimen Coral trees, is adjacent to the Chapel Garden with a dry planted bed and heavy timber pergola.