PROJECT REPORT: HEALTHCARE BUILDINGS
including preventing the passing of any prohibited items. The architects also worked with the manufacturer to integrate a fine screen within the window that directs views at a controlled angle so that mutual privacy is maintained between users and those in a nearby housing development. The solution offers patients a view out to “something real,” say the architects – i.e. the sky and surrounding landscaping – that would not have been possible by simply using a translucent film.
Therapeutic design
Mental health services – and therefore the design of mental health wards – have a complex set of demands, but the architects resolved to tackle these with “a simple solution and an integrated approach.” The building isn’t designated as ‘secure,’ but the architects were required to design to ‘medium secure’ robustness standards due to the “growing acuity of patients being admitted,” says Reeves.
The four wards are arranged on both
levels, around two private two-storey courtyards. The building’s two volumes are separated by a central garden, which can be seen through glazing from the main entrance, giving a reassuring glimpse of nature. The courtyards offer patients private views, as well as providing “abundant daylight and a positive focal point.” The ward plan is a straightforward loop, giving users two choices of route; assisting Covid-safe, one-way circulation. This, say the architects, also “gives staff or patients the opportunity to back away from escalating and challenging situations.” Wards can also be subdivided, in order to separate patient groups if needed. The architects wanted to use generous levels of glazing to aid observation for staff, as well as provide a feeling of openness in areas such as corridors.
The ward corridors run around the perimeter of the courtyards, forming light- filled colonnades of a generous width. Each bedroom has a recessed threshold for privacy, with seating across the colonnade for clinicians or patients; the extra space allowing patients to pass one another with less potential for anxiety or tension. There was an “involved” discussion between the designers and the clinicians around the location of the ward office, says Reeves – this being an area which tends to attract patients, potentially leading to a “pressure cooker” effect. With the architects seeking to address this “power dynamic between patients and staff,” a solution was
ADF JANUARY 2022
arrived at of making it a less central feature. “The model evolved that staff would be more active on the ward itself rather than based in the office; this allowed it to be located away from the main social area, closer to the ward entrance for direct observation of access to and from the ward.” It also has a “touchdown area” – a seated zone where patients could sit and chat that “gets away from the idea of a formal counter.”
Access to outdoor space Providing easy access to good quality outdoor space was one of the architects’ fundamental design principles, a factor which has taken on heightened importance during Covid-19. As a result of the design, patients have access to the outside on both levels, and can enjoy the courtyards safely without supervision.
“Both storeys are configured to provide direct access to outdoor space without the need for direct staff supervision, something which was severely lacking in the previous inpatient facilities,” say the architects. Facilitating this new level of autonomy reduces pressure on staff and removes potential sources of conflict and frustration. The ground floor opens onto the courtyard, with a deep overhang in front of the dining and activity rooms that provides shade as well as shelter. Above, this
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
37
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 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
