HIGH SECURE FACILITIES
city’s most attractive locations, in close proximity to a public recreational district, rather than in an isolated location on the periphery. Overall, however, there is a broad acceptance in Norway that that even high-secure facilities such as this new hospital should be integrated as part of society. This can also mean placing them in high-profile, desirable locations.
The layout of the new mental health facility, floor by floor, and the gardens / activity areas.
Security strategy Historically, secure mental health facilities have been characterised by conspicuous security measures, and unfortunately, the multiple safety measures incorporated within them have often resulted in a restricted, austere, and hostile environment – not the best therapeutic setting. It is important to remember that security measures should be a means to an end, not the end itself. Secure mental health facilities must
factor in not only potential risks, but also positive activities and opportunities that can empower patients and support their healing. This positive focus may further mitigate against risk. The ultimate goal is not merely to avoid harmful incidents, but also to provide patients with a safe and healing environment.
More than a secure haven In its call for proposals, St. Olav’s Hospital set out its plans to build a safe and secure new facility based on its activity-based therapy paradigm and a more humanistic approach. Our concept proposal was selected because it was felt to offer the greatest potential and to best meet the requirements and objectives. The proposal covered all of the high security hospital’s safety and security needs, including perimeter fencing, surveillance cameras,
secure entries and exits, access control systems, reinforced walls and windows, anti-ligature and anti-barricade measures, and ‘escape-proof solutions’. However, the concept also emphasised that this was to be a conventional building centered, as far as possible, on the a feeling of normality. Our goal as architects was to create a healthcare facility that prioritised the wellbeing of both service-users and staff. We aimed to provide an environment conducive to normal activities, which encouraged possibilities rather than limitations. Despite the severity of some of the patients’ conditions, the combination of an attractive setting, a range of sports facilities, and other amenities, can create an uplifting environment where patients and staff can thrive.
The site The prime location is connected to the existing mental health campus of St. Olav’s Hospital in one of Trondheim’s most attractive neighbourhoods. The area is a historical state landscape popular for recreation, and a prestigious residential area. The National Cultural Heritage Act safeguards the landmark hospital buildings and surrounding grounds, which have expansive and picturesque views of the sea, forest, and hills. There were some questions about locating a high security mental healthcare facility in one of the
General layout The new high-secure mental healthcare facility’s relatively large footprint is sensitively placed into the landscape, taking account of the area’s conservation status. The building’s design and placement have resulted in a subtle and dignified appearance that blends nicely with the natural surroundings. The structure is simplistic, consisting of three main sections: patient wards, activity buildings, and an administration wing. All these sections are joined together, with the main corridor as an internal street connecting the different parts of the building. To the west, the two-storey
administrative wing faces the campus, and has a more open feel, the bottom floor houses the main and staff entrances, clinics, and meeting facilities, while the upper floor accommodates offices and staff rest areas. The workshop and sports facilities are located on the ground floor as independent parts of the building at the southern end of the development. The four patient wards have the most secluded location, close to the forest, and with views to the east. Although the wards are on the first floor, due to the sloping terrain all have outdoor access.
Humanistic design Designing for high security mental health requires skills and expertise in safety and security, and a deeper understanding of the psychological aspects of architecture and design in a complex and somewhat contradictory situation. We base our work on a sensitive humanistic design approach that focuses on how architecture and design can produce positive effects to make people feel better, in tandem with the benefits provided by the support and treatment that staff provide to
Elevation plans (pictured above) and an overall site plan (right) for the Sikkerhetsbygget, High-Security Mental Hospital at St. Olav’s Hospital in Trondheim.
26 FEBRUARY 2023 | THE NETWORK
Photos used courtesy of m.herzog/visualis-images/
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
