DESIGN IN MENTAL HEALTH AWARDS 2023
patients, who had been watching the garden unfold with interest. Speaking to them afterwards, it was great to hear how much they appreciated the new building and the environment it offers, and especially the access to the outdoor courtyard space and the views to nature. Seeing their enthusiasm for the new planting, a plan was agreed with the ward staff to involve patients in watering the courtyard garden, adding a fulfilling activity to their day. The cost of the plants, compost, and equipment, was £1,000, but the impact on the patients’ wellbeing will be significant.” The judges commented: ‘Love this; a real example of excellent initiative and commitment over time.’ The award was presented by Cath Lake of P+HS Architects.
Outside Space of the Year The Outside Space of the Year Award, sponsored by Safehinge Primera, saw Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust receive a Highly Commended for the ‘transformation’ – led by an occupational therapist – of the Montpellier Therapeutic Allotments in Gloucester into ‘a space that is every bit therapeutic’. The entry said: “All this has been achieved while working on the hospital wards full-time, and with the support of patients and volunteers.” The site, which benefits patients from across Gloucestershire who have experienced mental illness, was officially reopened in January 2023 by HRH the Princess Royal. The winners in this category were Medical Architecture and Scott Tallon Walker Architects – for the new National Forensic Mental Health Service Hospital in Dublin. The entry explained: “A new era in Ireland’s mental health services, the National Forensic Hospital exploits nature’s therapeutic value in a discreetly secure setting to support a recovery-focused
Outside Space of the Year
Green’ that allows service-users to safely access shared spaces more independently, in a normalised environment, with an absence of visible secure fences.”
service-user pathway through high secure, medium, low, and step-down care. In contrast with the previous 1850s hospital in Dublin, site selection was informed by the attractive woodland setting, coastal views, and the outdoor space it offered service-users. The hospital was planned to promote social interaction, with the ward buildings forming a secure internal perimeter around a landscaped ‘Village
Parkland setting The entry continued: “The Green is designed as a parkland setting with large broadleaf trees, under-storey groundcover planting, and large mown grass lawns. A dedicated horticulture area, comprising market gardens, an animal husbandry area, polytunnels, and a beekeeping area, acts as a skills centre for patients. A large ornamental garden, adjacent to the Shared Activity Centre, is divided into four spaces: a convivial Village Café spill-out and barbeque area, a scented garden, a rose garden, and a bulb garden. Positioned off the main circulation, they offer a more contemplative space. To shelter from the prevailing south-westerly winds, the buildings nestle in among the woodland, orientated to the north, south, and east. “Around the site perimeter, generous
wildflower meadows attract new wildlife. Plants and local tree species integrate with the surrounding area at its boundaries, providing shelter and amenity, and with this background, the hospital’s secure outer perimeter fence simply disappears. Staff say that since being accommodated in the new hospital, patients are demonstrating lower blood pressure – they believe a result of the therapeutic environment.” The award was presented by the DiMHN’s Jonathan Campbell. The judges said: ‘An ambitious outdoor space with advantages of scale – but used really well to create a variety of activities for service-users on site, and with evidence of its benefits.’
Project of the Year – New Build International
Project
of the Year – New Build International
THE NETWORK | AUGUST 2023
The evening’s fifth award, for Project of the Year – New Build International, sponsored by Kingsway Group, was again won by Medical Architecture and Scott Tallon Walker Architects – for the National Forensic Mental Health Service
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