Inpatient accommodation
service-users, we have come to formulate an understanding of the different mental health pathways, and the way that internal spaces can impact recovery and aid wellbeing. A multi- sensory design approach is important – not just considering how spaces look, but equally how they feel, smell, and perform acoustically, and at Gilling Dod we place this at the core of our engagement process. We also focus on how spaces can have a social impact on the people using them – whether by facilitating and improving social interaction, or providing quiet retreat spaces, and finally also consider the activities required to take place in each space – and how these can be enabled and improved.
CULTURAL DESIGN CUES “While developing its Signature Range, Kingsway Group was keen to involve leading architects and designers from the mental healthcare sector, to investigate the applicability of the Signature range’s geographical concepts of ‘Malmö’, ‘Manhattan’, and ‘Mayfair’ in different mental healthcare pathways. It was found that different design styles taken from geographical locations were particularly well suited to the needs of varying pathways, and thus could potentially be used to support mental health and wellbeing in different types of mental health facilities. For example, more traditional design styles work well in creating a feel of nostalgia in dementia settings, whereas modern, and even futuristic, touches are especially fitting in environments for children and young people. “Gilling Dod Interiors was therefore commissioned to take the geographical concepts of Malmö, Mayfair, and Manhattan forward into conceptual room designs for mental health inpatient bedroom spaces. We took this as an opportunity to push the boundaries of mental health design, challenging the norm, and focusing on creative attention to detail with a non-institutional feel, while maintaining safety and robustness throughout.
MALMÖ
“The Malmö design concept takes its cue from the Scandinavian design ethos of simplicity, minimalism, and functionality. Drawing inspiration from the Swedish city, angular shapes and sleek forms characterise this room set. A vaulted ceiling creates a feeling of light and space, and alludes to the traditional Swedish cabin shape. Both open and closed away storage opportunities are present, to allow opportunity for personal item display while maintaining the minimalist impression. “Key design features include a personalisable peg board adjacent to the ‘front door’, geometric vinyl stickers used on walls, and an inset vinyl rug with bespoke printed design. Birch ply furniture is exceptionally robust, and yet feels fresh and inviting, while additional texture is created with the use of fabric, or fabric-effect vinyl. With its cool neutral base palette and pops of vibrant colour, this design style is particularly well suited to CAMHS environments and spaces for young people.
MAYFAIR
“The Mayfair scheme takes its design inspiration from the chic district in the city of London, where cutting edge design meets traditional style.
This room set aims to achieve a plush, luxe experience. Rich tones of navy in the robust feature wallcoverings and upholstery create a dramatic impression, while also being warm and inviting when combined with the darker tones of Wenge wood. Safety and robustness are maintained throughout, but in a very discreet, non-institutional fashion. “Fabric and texture play a big part in this
interior, with anti-ligature curtains provided and disguised with an upholstered pelmet, and additional bed dressings (such as throw cushions and runners) considered to add to the hotel-like feel. Feature timber panelling behind the TV cabinet reaches full height to the ceiling, where a coffered ceiling detail creates extra height for safety, and allows opportunity for feature LED lighting. The Mayfair room design lends itself well to rehabilitation facilities, where a high quality patient experience is of primary importance, and also works particularly well in refurbishment projects within traditional buildings.
MANHATTAN
“The Manhattan concept draws its design energy from the vibrant borough of New York City, with retro colours and art deco influences drawn from an era of classic elegance. This room set has a more decorative style, with subtle patterns and metallic features used alongside a mint green palette. Cream and buff tones of marble ensure the room is light and airy, with clear distinction between the different spaces in the room. Half-height painted walls give an illusion of height, and rich walnut adds
Julian Hall
Julian Hall is the Sales director of Kingsway Group, which started designing problem-solving anti-ligature products such as Duralux, SwingHinge, SwingStop, and Switch, in 2010. He was actively involved in the development of Kingsway Group’s complete doorset range, and actively works with leading mental healthcare providers across the UK to deliver complete anti-ligature doorsets that suit their specific needs. Kingsway Group has expanded to have a global presence due to the demand for its products, and Julian Hall now spends much of his time working with the Kingsway Group USA team to deliver solutions across America, where he delivers presentations on best-practice anti-ligature product selection, and networks with behavioural health experts across the country to reduce ligature risk and deliver better health environments. In the coming years he plans to oversee the expansion of Kingsway Group’s ‘unique product offering’, and maintain its position as a thought-leader and innovator in anti-ligature products for mental health.
Laura Grayken
Having worked extensively in healthcare design for over nine years, senior interior designer at Gilling Dod Interiors, Laura Grayken, has developed a real passion for enhancing healthcare environments, with a view to supporting recovery for a diverse range of end-users. She is responsible for the interior design of multi-million pound projects across the UK, and has delivered award-winning projects in both the acute and mental health sectors. Her particular interest, however, lies in pathway-specific design for mental health, designing for people with dementia and on the autism spectrum. It is this area of research that she is keen to develop and make accessible for a wider audience, ‘fighting the stigma of mental health, and aiming for a culture in which inclusive design is a consideration on all major public projects across the UK’.
THE NETWORK OCTOBER 2018 31
a comforting warmth. Clear-fronted storage and domestic-style furniture ensure that this room layout is familiar and easy to navigate, especially important for older adults and those with conditions such as dementia, with clear lines of observation and views out to verdant outdoor space that complement the natural-toned interior.
AN UPLIFTING END-USER EXPERIENCE “As designers working within a broad range of sectors, Gilling Dod Interiors recognises the importance of high quality design and the impact it can have upon the end-user experience. In this industry, we must remember that creating choice, variety, and sense of place, in an interior is as relevant in mental health settings as it is in residential, domestic, and commercial design. It is within a typical mental health environment where the challenge of providing a space with both practicality and an uplifting aesthetic is at its most extreme. This project has proven that creative thinking, combined with an innovative approach, can play a huge part in delivering mental health settings that are personal, human, and uplifting.”
REFERENCES 1 Xotels online. Definition of a boutique hotel. [
https://www.xotels.com/en/glossary/ boutique-hotel].
2 Vidisdottir K. What exactly is a boutique hotel? Street Directory 2018. [
www.tinyurl.com/z553sus].
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