PICU Design
The decision to relocate the PICU to the front of the centre, within the former CAMHS unit, provided ‘both opportunities and constraints’.
stakeholders were engaged, and signed off the design, operating model, and staffing structure, alongside the building proposal. This empowered all parties concerned to deliver a successful project, and to be proud of what they created.
A CLEAR VISION During the development of the brief, ‘being seen’ was a key feature in the design concept. Inside, the interpretation of this is clear; it was important that good sightlines and observation were created to ensure safety, both for service-users and staff. The new unit provides this, and allows staff to monitor the environment and interact in therapeutic activities. It was vital though that observation was very much a result of proactive nursing, rather than the ‘goldfish bowl’ effect of a central staff office. Externally, the building is most definitely
‘being seen’. From the surrounding locality the building now has a celebrated presence on the skyline, rather than a rather dark, tired, and ‘closed’ traditional image of a mental health hospital. The external materials of stainless steel shingles give a nod to Sheffield’s steel industry, and, against crisp white render, shine out from the Longley Centre’s prominent position and proudly confirm that dealing with mental health in Sheffield is not a hidden agenda, but rather something we all need to be aware of, open to, and support.
CHANGES IN LEVELS From the outset of the design development a key criterion for the success of the project was that the therapeutic nature of the facility should begin on the approach to the unit, as well as within. The integration of the entrance and the
‘Early in the commission, the initial brief evolved from a single ward design towards the need to create a new main entrance to the hospital’
The interior has a ‘light and calm’ feel.
design of the landscaping elements needed to be carefully considered due to the changes in levels of the site. The design of the route to the PICU gives a series of ramped and stepped approaches which traverse through a mixture of planting elements. Each route provides an opportunity to see, touch, and smell, different vegetation and wildlife species, thus focusing the individual’s attention, and calming service-user anxiety. Once inside the building –
Artwork in an en suite wetroom.
welcomed and assured of the safety and security – the service- user is greeted with open plan living and dining areas, with views through to a bright and
exciting courtyard. Level access and expanses of curtain walling and windows allow free movement for service-users, while maintaining high levels of observation. Satisfying this important part of the brief has provided an environment which has reduced anxiety and distress, and ultimately reduced the number of serious incidents occurring within the unit.
NATURAL DAYLIGHT Progression through to the bedroom areas is via two separate routes. Each route, with views to the courtyard, is provided with lots of natural daylight and ventilation. Conscious that the unit is mixed sex, the design creates a progressive and adaptable facility to suit the changing ward demographic as required, and ensures that current standards are met, with privacy and a reduction of each person’s vulnerability maintained. Artwork is integrated throughout the facility
using natural calming themes. During design development, however, it was important not just to provide new artwork as part of the building fabric, but also to enable transfer of service-user artwork from the existing facility. We also allowed the building to be a blank canvas for further artwork to be added in the future. We look forward to seeing how it evolves as the stakeholders make it their own. So, what of the future? The PICU (winner of
the 2016 DIMH Refurbishment of the Year Award) has established itself as the benchmark,
a catalyst for the remainder of the Longley Centre. The principle of seeing and being seen is to be continued, and the aspiration is for the building to be refurbished, re-modelled, and reinvigorated, to provide an environment which reflects the high level of care provided to the people of Sheffield.
About the authors
PETER STEAD Peter Stead BSc (Hons) MCIAT is an associate and senior member of P+HS Architects’ technical team. He played a key role in ensuring that the Sheffield PICU scheme was delivered to the highest standard. He said: “There were several challenges relating to the existing building structure and the constraints this imposed on ceiling heights, service routes, and co-ordination. The PICU was a demanding, yet thoroughly enjoyable scheme, due to the client’s forward-thinking approach – a significant factor in the successful design development and the therapeutic environment achieved.”
CATH LAKE Cath Lake BArch (Hons) DipArch RIBA provides director-level lead for all P+HS Architects’ mental healthcare work. Her experience includes detailed design and construction expertise relating to Dementia, Acute, Learning Disability, CAMHS, Secure, and Specialist services. She said: “The new PICU has been a joy to be part of. The site gave us a number of challenges, but the new facility now literally shines on the skyline. Our vision was to create a place that lifts the spirit from the outset, and somewhere that helps remove stigmas attached to mental health. We wanted to reflect the passion our client has for the delivery of care to the people of Sheffield.”
THE NE TWORK J u l y 2016 19
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Photos courtesy of P+HS Architects.
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