Plans to create an outdoor green area at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary have been submitted to the council in an effort to encourage people to walk to the hospital.
The proposals include a pond, sculptures, woodland, wildflowers, a natural play area, and enhanced pedestrian access.
It will also allow people to walk along the Gilcomston Burn, much of which is currently obscured, by installing lighting along its length.
Should planning permission be granted, the innovative project will be carried out by Glasgow-based landscape firm Erz.
The estimated total cost of the work is £1.5 million, with funding coming from NHS Grampian and a European grant administered by Scottish Natural Heritage.
In a report submitted to Aberdeen City Council on Monday, Erz said the site – on the western side of the main ARI building between Westburn Road and Ashburn Road West – is currently designed for car users, with little infrastructure or clear routes for pedestrians.
The proposed development would change that by creating a new pedestrian and cyclist connection into the south-west part of the Foresterhill campus, with a new opening linking Westburn Road and Foresterhill Road.
With the new entrance near an existing bus stop and a pedestrian crossing on Westburn Road, it is hoped this will encourage people to walk or cycle, or use public transport to access the site.
As part of the plans, a number of water features will be integrated into the landscape design.
The developer undertook studies at the site in late-2015 and early-2016, involving a series of meetings and workshops with representatives of NHS Grampian and Aberdeen University.
The proposals were then refined in response to further specific feedback later in 2016.
A spokeswoman for NHS Grampian said: “We are committed to preserving and enhancing green spaces on our sites.
“The benefits that pleasant outdoor space can bring to our patients, staff and visitors are well known.
“If approved, this plan will transform currently inaccessible land on the Foresterhill Health Campus.”