ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
led workshops with patient groups, creating artwork inspired by local scenery and landmarks to be displayed in an exhibition area close to the GPs’ reception. Images from a previous year’s staff photography competition were used on site hoardings while the project was under construction, which also helped to foster links between the building users, the local community, and the building.
‘Human delight’ In terms of ‘human delight’ and users’ experience, as already described, the building includes dedicated rest space for staff, as well as library, café, and eating areas, which form a vibrant space on each of the levels for all building users. In addition, there are breakout spaces throughout which offer a variety of seating options for working away from workstations, with the interiors and furniture creating an appealing environment. Having visited the building now that it has been in use for a while, it is fantastic to see these areas being really well used and feeling so animated. Where possible these spaces benefit from natural light – from large windows, rooflights, and ‘borrowed light’ through glazed meeting rooms. There is a focus on high-quality food and beverage offerings from local companies. Staff also benefit from a dedicated staff garden, including seating and planting, with the planting scheme and walking trail adding interest and enjoyment to the immediate surrounding of the building.
n Community The Community concept area requires evidence of an integrative design approach aimed at accommodating diverse stakeholder needs, and highlights the importance of establishing an engaged ‘occupant community’. Extensive stakeholder engagement was carried out with teams for all of the building functions to arrive at an optimum solution for each. This includes aspects such as a tailor-made environment for simulating scenarios within the nursing school – for example in the immersive suite and simulation ward, and bespoke spaces within the Primary Care Centre, including digital consulting areas and a variety of consulting room sizes for different activities, through to the Conference Centre, where flexibility, connectivity, and capability of accommodating large groups, were key requirements. P+HS produced a WELL building user guide summarising the WELL building features to raise building users’ awareness. Stakeholder orientation tours on completion of the building were also required; these were aimed at helping foster a sense of community within the building, and improving awareness of the WELL features included.
Since completion we have heard from staff at the
Academy that the walking trail is being used by local residents, as well as building users; it’s nice to see how some features of the project’s design are also allowing the new building to become more integrated into the wider community. Academy staff have also shared with us how they feel that the Academy has become a focal point for raising awareness on nursing career pathways, and how the spaces within it have facilitated events such as nursing
Breakout meeting space.
careers masterclasses which the Trust have started to hold. As architects it’s rewarding to see the connection to community and place growing as the use of the building becomes established. This seems quite fitting with the WELL ethos.
On reflection Reflecting on working to the WELL standard at the Health and Care Academy, many of the key principles are in line with what we are looking to do as architects on every scheme: good access to natural light, views out, stakeholder engagement, and also low VOC materials to name a few. However, having the client and developer make a commitment to the WELL standard allows the project team to make a conscious decision to follow these principles and consider these aspects from project inception, allowing aspects to be retained in the design which may otherwise not make it through to completion. In addition, having the opportunity to place emphasis on high-quality interior design, including finishes and choice of furniture, helps to create a successful working environment were the building users feel valued. At Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust,
the Bright charity means that arts coordination is often well considered within projects, but working to the WELL requirements means that artwork is more likely to be on the agenda on any scheme working to the standard. Targeted as being ‘people focussed’, this has put emphasis on mind and community-related aspects, facilitating breaks away from working areas, and allowing physical space for this, access to nature, and views out, encouraging movement. We look forward to developing on these principles for future schemes, recognising that healthcare buildings are workplaces too.
Further reading 1 ‘Overview’ from The WELL Building Standard version 2 (WELL v2). IWBI, 2025.
https://v2.wellcertified.com/en/ wellv2/overview/
2 ‘Nourishment’ from The WELL Building Standard version 2 (WELL v2). IWBI, 2025.
https://v2.wellcertified.com/en/ wellv2/nourishment
3 ‘Movement’ from The WELL Building Standard version 2 (WELL v2). IWBI, 2025.
https://v2.wellcertified.com/en/ wellv2/movement
4 ‘Mind’ from The WELL Building Standard version 2 (WELL v2). IWBI, 2025.
https://v2.wellcertified.com/en/wellv2/mind
5 ‘Nature and Place’ from The WELL Building Standard version 2 (WELL v2). IWBI, 2025.
https://v2.wellcertified.com/en/ wellv2/mind/feature/2
Sharon Cook
Based in P+HS Architects’ Newcastle studio, and one of the practice’s Healthcare leads, Sharon Cook brings over 10 years’ experience working on a wide range of healthcare projects spanning both primary and acute care, having delivered successful schemes for numerous NHS Trusts, as well as private sector clients. Equipped with a
diverse skillset, strong design flair, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Project Management, she is known for her collaborative approach and strong stakeholder engagement focus. Her recent work includes the refurbishment of Pathology Labs, Intensive Therapy Units (ITU), and Endoscopy Departments, alongside the design of the new- build Northumbria Health and Care Academy. This innovative development brings together a primary care centre, a nursing school, and dedicated training and conference facilities, showcasing her ability to deliver complex, multi-functional environments that support education, care delivery, and community health.
June 2025 Health Estate Journal 57
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
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