Joohyun Lee, who is studying at the Texas A&M University, USA, was shortlisted in the Architects for Health’s First Student Health Design Award (2007) for the following submission. For contact please email: bbaka0522@gmail.com

Boca Raton Critical Care Tower

This project has included three goals based on Evidence-Based Design referred by professor Kirk Hamilton, Texas A&M University; Creating a healing environment, Creating a patient/family-centered environment, Creating a staff-embraced environment.

The design is ICU, which is a part of a four-story freestanding building in Boca Raton community hospital, Florida. 16 bed ICU patient units occupy the second through fourth floors. By reducing the depth of the whole to a thin slab and dead space, it is possible in this design to create something different from the monotonous volume that usually arises from the design of massive neighbor existing hospitals.

In addition, this critical care tower has two gardens (courtyards), which are using for families and caregivers. Dr Ulrich and his colleagues used on a experimental design to investigate whether exposure to stimulated nature views in intensive care units improved recovery indicators in heart surgery patients. Two gardens create voids in the building mass through which the far side of the building can be glimpsed, reducing the visual impression of massiveness. It is the emotional and physiological benefit from visual and physical accessing to nature. Gardens located in healthcare settings offer patients, visitors, and staff the opportunity for direct interaction with the restorative, calming effects of nature.

Each ICU unit made up of a patient bed, bathroom including toilet and shower, and family area. All of which are aligned along the side receiving the most outside view, linked by a natural surrounding in Boca Raton. Patients in rooms with windows, particularly windows with pleasant views to nature, have shorter recovery times and fewer complications and request less pain medication. Employees with access to windows and nature views experience less stress, better health, and higher job satisfaction. Natural light or sunlight which is biochemical and physiological effects that faster improved outcomes in many types of patients.

I considered various alternatives for the envelope of ICU building. Regarding the external and internal conditions, I tried to design the space so that the building seems like one simple volume. Accordingly, the curtain wall is made of panels of the same size, using transparent, translucent and aluminum finishes arranged in a random order. While the distribution of these panels with differing levels of transparency and opacity is not a regular, it is equal, enabling every space in the building to be filled with natural light. The individual ICU rooms face the natural scene and light source.

The Architects for Health
First Student Health Design Award
was sponsored by

modulex

Jonathan Hyde, who is currently studying at Brighton University, UK, entered the Architects for Health’s First Student Health Design Award (2007) with the following submission. For contact please email: gbz215@aol.com

A Hospice for Peckham, London

To provide a soothing, calm atmosphere to come to terms with death and pass away with comfort and dignity, a hospice must posses a sympathetic balance between privacy and exposure. The architecture to contain this must neither be too bleak and melancholy as to magnify the obvious or too concealed and distracting as to pretend there is no sorrow at all.

The Hospice as a Body

This project has been conceived as a body of spaces, all crucially complementing and aiding one another. Administration and primary work spaces act as the brains and central nervous system, whilst the internal corridor forms a clear flow of circulation. The two main limbs of the hospice divide after the reception forming the living wing and a mixed use section that unfolds into the main garden. This garden along with a series of exterior and flexible spaces serve as lungs to help the whole complex breathe, both literally through ventilation and visually through the inclusion of natural light and views of nature. The utilities arm is located at the western end with its own entrance, doubling up as the ambulance bay. The Chapel located within an existing railway arch will be available for use by the local community. The two occupied arches each have a light canon cutting through the masonry above. Light funnels down into this dark space instantly creating a deeply soulful atmosphere that reverberates within. It is in these spaces that the most solemn of activities occur.

Room with a View

Patients are encouraged to bring their own possessions to the hospice – a favourite painting, books or chair. A projector above the bed can be used to cast images and sounds around the room. Natural light flows in through a large window on the southern wall and also above the screened commode, through the solar cells. A familiar home-like quality is achieved through the use of natural materials as well as a domestic, humanistic scale.

Emotionally Durable Design

The shared sun ‘room’ between the private rooms will become the patient’s favourite place. Neither too enclosed or too exposed too quiet or too noisy. With views into the backlit garden it acts as a sheltering corner to sit and contemplate, whilst being a calming presence on the genius loci. The philosophy of a transitional space is essential in the creation of flexible, unrestricted living, far removed from the institutional atmosphere of a hospital.

The Architects for Health
First Student Health Design Award
was sponsored by

modulex

John LeClerc Josephs, who is studying at The Curtin University of Technology, Bentley, Western Australia (Bachelor of Architecture, 4th Year), entered the Architects for Health’s First Student Health Design Award (2007) with the following submission. For contact please email: leclare@amnet.net.au

Western Australian Cancer Centre Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Perth, Western Australia

Brief

Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital is a large, progressive, fully accredited teaching hospital located on a 28 hectare medical campus adjacent to Kings Park in Nedlands, a scenic and central part of the city of Perth, Western Australia. The brief called for a new Western Australian Cancer Centre to be located on the west side of the existing hospital site. The addition would sit on existing car parking and green space and link internally to the existing hospital infrastructure. The brief called for a 12000 square metre development that encompassed a large number of clinic suites, offices, advanced medical technology equipment and rooms, social areas, waiting areas, and all required staff and patients services to run a cancer centre of world class caliber.

Proposal

Ideology and Execution
Three main ideals were considered and applied to the design:

1. To create quality architectural spaces in a hospital environment. Research into previous cancer centres revealed that brief requirements of space were often met in sacrifice of quality architectural spaces, such as those with natural light, ventilation and links to the outdoors – qualities proven beneficial to patient healthcare. In answer my design:
   1. Uses an exposed skeletal structural ceiling system between the tops of walls and floors to create horizontal lightwells for natural light into all staff and patient internal working spaces.
   2. Utilizes a central void space for natural light transmission, ventilation and the creation of unique internal views usually not experienced in central hospital spaces.
   3. The Ground Floor is lifted above the car park via a series of light columns on the face of the building to give the building a sense of structural lightness and added sensitivity to the site.
   4. The elevation of the floors via the skeletal structural ceiling adds an element of transparency to the building in elevation – not isolating external spaces surrounding the building.
2. To understand the benefits of simple spatial design in a working hospital environment whilst using architectural techniques to break up the monotony of ‘long corridor and box’ arrangements. In answer my design:
   1. Shifted rooms in plan to break the line of the corridors and create negative space which could be utilized practically for storage or socially for waiting or interacting.
   2. Utilized the skeletal ceiling structure to shift the focal points of occupants away from the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ to the intricacy of the ceiling.
   3. Created suitable rooms with transparent walls and windows along the hallways – the creation of a meandering eye.
3. To initiate a ‘green’ feel to the building through its relationship to the outside, use of natural light and use of materials that are practical for cleavability yet are distant from traditional ‘sterile’ aesthetics. In answer my design:
   1. Lifts the structure above the natural ground level to clear the site for green space.
   2. Utilizes a rigid rectangular structure that would cater for the required internal size but allow 50% of the site to be landscaped. To meet the brief’s spatial requirements of 12000 square metres, the structure would be 4 storeys high with a basement. The height was appropriate in the context of the site – matching the surrounding buildings whilst considering the impact on the neighbouring residential area.
   3. The creation of social void spaces, such as waiting rooms and cafes, with a strong connection to freed green spaces.

The Architects for Health
First Student Health Design Award
was sponsored by

modulex

Jie Ao, who is curently studying at the Texas A & M University, USA (First year of M.Arch), entered the Architects for Health’s First Student Health Design Award (2007) with the following submission. For contact please email: jie006@neo.tamu.edu

Texas A&M Cancer Center

Brief:

The Texas A&M Cancer Center was human-centered design, takes care both patient satisfaction and staff satisfaction. Patients as well as visitors come into the facility will not different from coming into a fine hotel or a relaxing spa which provides superior service and pleasant environment. A comfortable place combined with beautiful gardens and large windows with a lot of nature light.

The cancer center houses the departments of imaging oncology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology. The facility also provides supporting area for alternative therapy and patient education. A full-service imaging diagnostic center, with lounge, cafeteria, and waiting area will be located at the main lobby on the second floor. The chemotherapy and radiation oncology were designed separately for the need of different users. Alternative and complementary therapy with meditation garden was also provided in the facility to meet increasing demand.

Reducing stress is a key factor in hospitals. The Texas A&M Cancer Center will integrate the building with surrounding landscape and bring nature into building, create gardens inside and outside. Clinical research suggests that “viewing nature scene can reduce blood pressure and muscle tension”. In chemotherapy, alternative and complementary therapy, and main lobby, green areas were designed to help patients, staffs and families reduce stress.

Nature light is an important design component in the facility, especially in the department of medical oncology. Huge skylights help spiritual uplift for patients and enhance confidence of healing. A plenty of sunlight combined with nature scene which gives patient a sense of serenity when they are spending hours of treatment at a visit, and for waiting families.

Sometimes the best teachers are those who have similar experience about coping with illness. Lounge and cafeteria were designed for interaction between patients and between families to share experiences. Education classrooms draw people together for opportunities of learning and hold events enable patients and families to exchange information and support each other. Library was designed to the needs of all community members. The new released books with health care materials help people to find the update information.

Factors

• Environmentally friendly design
• Value human beings over technology
• Create an exciting facility that are attractive to the needs of all kinds of users
• Large windows and skylights allow sunlight comes into facility
• Attractive gardens inside and outside
• Lounge, cafeteria, and educational classrooms was designed to encourage socilization
• Library with well stocked health care material responding to the need of patients and families to find lastest treatment and options
• Adjustable sun shading devices control sunlight
• Double wall system prevents heat loss and gain

Special Considerations For Patients

• Comfort, home-like facility
• Pleasent environment help reduce stress
• Comfortable places help communication with staff
• Provide spaces that enhance learning
• Amenity environments support health and healing

Special Considerations For Family

• Making spaces for family
• Easy wayfinding
• Library and resource center help family get update treatment information
• Provide places to share similar experience with others

Special Considerations For Staff

• Open nurse station easy for communication with patients and family members
• Pleasant place with a lot of windows and sunlight
• Convenient location reduce walking distance
• Encourage caregivers to be responsive to patients
• Attractive environment with lots of trees and flowers

The Architects for Health
First Student Health Design Award
was sponsored by

modulex

Jarkko Puro, who is studying at the Helsinki University of Technology, Finland, was shortlisted in the Architects for Health’s First Student Health Design Award (2007) for the following submission. For contact please email: jarkko.puro@egi.fi

Kotka Health and Life Park

Kotka Health and Life Park is a new health care complex emerging in the surrounds of the Kymenlaakso Central Hospital. Extensive services and close cooperation between educational and public services create a functional entity where sustainable development and versatility support each other. Other organisations currently operating in the area are the Department of Health at the Kymenlaakso Polytechnic, Paimenportti Geriatric Service Centre and Kymenlaakso Rescue Department. The main objective of my Masters Thesis is to mould a integrated and harmonious area identity – a campus – out of these four health care establishments. I aim to improve the area’s fragmented quality, which is caused by the bold traffic routes, varied topography and incoherent architecture, by compressing, extending as well as opening new traffic routes and creating connecting elements. Master plan design, emphasis on area logistics and general availability of services and functions supported the creation of an integrated identity. Landscape analysis, inventory of the building stock as well as interviews with authorities and consultants were used as the basis of the design concept.

This Master’s Thesis was commissioned by the Kymenlaakso Hospital District and it was done in cooperation with the City of Kotka, Kymenlaakso Polytechnic and University of Technology TePro II -research projects.

Presentation Boards

1. CITYPLAN 1:5,000
   Orhtopicture 1:40,000
   Sections 1:2,000
2. SITEPLAN 1:2,500
   New constructions
   Existing constructions
   Indoor street
3. STRUCTURES
   Central Square 1:1,000
   Auditorium and conference centrum 1:1,000
   Underground parking and shelters 1:4,000
   Zones and new constructions 1:10,000
   Exercise areas and light traffic 1:10,000
4. THE VIEW
   Miniature model of area

The Architects for Health
First Student Health Design Award
was sponsored by

modulex

Jana Heidacker, who is studying at The TU Darmstadt, Germany, was shortlisted in the Architects for Health’s First Student Health Design Award (2007) for the following submission. For contact please email: gdg.heidacker@gmail.com

NIP|TUCK | Beauty has its price

Task | Building

In the context of the restructuring Ruhr-Metropolis, a new use shall be brought to the former Ewald colliery.

After the end of the colliery era there is a wide range of plans for re-structuring and reusing the Ruhr-Metropolis and specially its leftovers of industrial architecture.
One well known example is “Zeche Zollverein” with a masterplan by OMA, Rem Koolhaas.

Most of the colliery buildings were designed by the German architects Schupp & Kremmer.
Their architecture was strong, monumental, very clear and strictly functional. And the fact that the building have been built for machines -and not in human scale- makes them very impressive, in their time almost futuristic. Its over-dimension makes the buildings suitable for multiple use alterations without having to alter the specific external qualities of the facades.

Provocation | Use:

Considerations for relevant reuse of the Ewald colliery stood at the base of this project. While at first a “classical” health center was in focus, later on the theme became more specific and provocative.
In the critical discussion and study on health care and contemporary popular tendeces, a contradicting trend can be spotted. It seems that on one hand people (and politics) try to reduce investments on health care and on the other hand a big boom in plastic and esthetic surgery can be noticed.

The plastic and esthetic surgery topic is at the same time deterrent and attractive. The topic triggers emotions and initiates discussions.
We think of “implantation”, “correction”, “staging”…
Beauty is not just a result of our own genes anymore. Beauty is creatable and creatable beauty is chic.
Medical treatment of this kind is no longer just for our survival, it is not helping to overcome a sickness, it even can be a risc for the healthy body.

Design | Process:

The façade of the old colliery buildings with it’s gigantic monumental dimensions are preserved as an architectural monument. With a width and height around 23 meters and a length of more than 135 meters this “frame” offers more than 70.000m³ potantial space for beauty health care.
Next to the healt g and other…
Further more this given “spaceframe” allows a rich play with open flowing spaces, galleries and views.

The rigid hull of the old building is frame and base for the new infill. A sculptural architectural body is implanted in the existing hull.
The interpretation of the beauty cult and the human body stood as reference for the first designs of the internal shape. The beginning of the design process consisted of nude studies, which got more abstracted and were reduced to dynamic build bodies. These figures were translated to abstract sections and floor plans and again transformed to a sculptural body till it mutated into a suitable, functional and working architecture.

The Architects for Health
First Student Health Design Award
was sponsored by

modulex

Jamie Lee, who is currently studying at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, entered the Architects for Health’s First Student Health Design Award (2007) with the following submission. For contact please email: jamielee.inta@gmail.com

Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Centre for Women, Surry Hills

Design Brief

Stage: Interior Architecture Graduation Project 2005 – individual’s own designed brief
University of New South Wales, Australia (Graduated in 2006)
Site: 53-55 Brisbane St, Surry Hills, NSW Australia. Heritage listed building
Client: Catherine Booth House, Sydney

The Catherine Booth House provides a long term accommodation from 10 to 12 month period and rehabilitation services for women who are afflicted by alcohol and drug addiction. The program involved in the centre is based on the Salvation Army Bridge program which is about developing social relationships with other residents and living together in a community.

The aim of the brief is to provide and embrace a joyful bridging experience between drug dependency and drug free lifestyle.

Design Intent:

Any architecture should be meaningful, it should be more than an object on which people just live in and move in and out of. The centre is designed to communicate its meanings and to embrace the whole human conditions by interacting with users on a mental and spiritual level as well as the physical.

The inspiration for the project was the idea of parallax by Steven Holl – the idea of movement through overlapping perspectives, the turn and twist of the body movement engaging a long than a short perspective. The inspiration has driven the concept of creating dynamic rhythm of space:

A journey of 12 month experience in the centre is achieved by creating rhythm of space. The idea of merging opposites: from private to public, light and dark, void and solid, up and down… is explored to create the rhythm and thus enhancing the journey. The concept is expressed thorough a sequence of different spaces. Each one tells it’s own story as you pass through it.

• Point of entry: acts as a ‘threshold’ to a new drug-free lifestyle. It enables visitors view the interior of the entire building with an outdoor courtyard under skylight. The enclosed chapel, footbridges that link the two most important spaces, public and accommodation spaces are seen as a short perspective.
• Waiting area: is located in such a way that it gives the overall atmosphere of the centre, as the first impression of the centre affect the visitor’s motivation and rehabilitation process.
• Child care: for children who visit their mothers at the centre. It is to give the mothers an opportunity of being a mother for one.
• Public areas + foot bridges: allow the residents to have a journey from instant social interaction with few people to participation in large and public community.
• Indoor/Outdoor courtyards: connect the residents to nature by views and access to the outdoors and interior gardens. Private rooftop gardens give individuals their own gardening space.
• Private areas (accommodation areas): There are 5 private rooms in each unit. Revolving multi-functional furniture is designed for an opportunity of creating own space. The internal space of each unit is articulated to accommodate daily episode changes.

The interactive experiences the residents have in both intimate and public spaces will assist them re-entering the society and living drug-free future.

The Architects for Health
First Student Health Design Award
was sponsored by

modulex

James Mo, who is studying at The Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia, was shortlisted in the Architects for Health’s First Student Health Design Award (2007) for the following submission. For contact please email:james.mo@lyonsarch.com.au

The Healsville & District Hospital, Australia

This a a thesis project (equivalent to RIBA part 2) completed at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Melbourne, Victoria Australia in 2006 under the supervision of Dr. Peter Corrigan.

The site chosen is at the existng Healsville & District Hospital, a small rural hospital operating beyond the range of metropolitan Melbourne. The location of the new hospital is directly to the north of the existing building. This allows the hospital to operate while the new hospital is under construction. The proposed building sits on the upper part of a slope, which falls to the north. The terrain is gently inclined and it faces north which allows it to receive optimal solar exposure and to enjoy a particular view.

Healthcare in Australia has changed significantly over the last few decades and the traditional hospital model on acute and hospital based services are no longer appropriate in responding to the community needs. They are isolated, sterile and clinical, and conceived in strict opposition to nature, neither welcoming nor accessible to the public.

In establishing a meaningful dialogue width the patients, visitors and the community. I proposes a new model for the community based hospital: the ‘integrated health services’, bringing together acute (bed based services and emergency), aged (day care centre) and community-based services (primary health). The services included are:

Connecting indoor and outdoor space This building is conceived inside-out. The three courtyards is to maximise the natural air and lights in the hospital. I wanted the interior space to feel fresh and open to the nature. Every ward to have a balcony with views to the surrounding scenic landscape, allowing patients and family to relax in the seamless transition to the nature.

Creating a humane environment with emphasis on wellness & healing The facility is design to encourage patients to take on a more active-lifestyle and not refraining them from going outside: the ‘bed-based services’ ramp leads to the landscaped garden (downwards) and to the rooftop balcony (upwards). Generous space (lounge and dining) are design to encourage iinteraction between patients, staff and visitors, family participation and create a more enjoyable working environment.

Diversify of functional and hypothetical space This strategy is to better serve and re-establish dialogue with the patients, visitors and the community of this hospital. The programs intermingle with each other, (physio/gym, dining, lounges and courtyards are available to all users) to create a more users-friendly place.

The Architects for Health
First Student Health Design Award
was sponsored by

modulex

James Eagle, who is currently studying at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (RIBA Part 1), entered the Architects for Health’s First Student Health Design Award (2007) with the following submission. For contact please email: j_eagle360@hotmail.com

Warkworth Retreat A hide for a group of children in need to be located in or around the village of Warkworth, Northumberland.

Brief Development

Client: ASSIST (Assistance Support and Self help In Surviving Trauma) registered charity number 1052219.

User Group: Children aged between 6 – 11 with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

PTSD: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological and physical condition that can be caused by extremely frightening or distressing events (e.g. abuse, disaster, bereavement).

PTS symtoms include…
Intrusive symptoms (flashbacks, nightmares)
Hyperarousal (nervousness, jumpy, hypersensitive)
Avoidance symptoms (of places, thoughts, feelings, also numbness)
Other symptoms (difficulty sleeping/concentrating, depression, self isolation, loss of identity/self esteem.

Treatment often involves “Cognitive Behavioural Therapy” (CBT). Initially therapy focus’ upon establishing the Childs safety, this is followed by remembrance, mourning and finally reconnection with ordinary life. CBT is often coupled with psychoeducation for parents / carers. Psychoeducation is the process of learning about PTSD and training parents to help the child with new/adult coping stratergies.

Brief

Needs of User Group: The retreat should…

• Facilitate a “good nights sleep” (for restoration and relaxation)
• Provide Cognitive Behavioural Counselling CBC (therapy)
• Accommodate children and their parent/carer for 1-2 weeks and intermittently thereafter (parents/carers support is crucial to diminish the chance of relapses)
• Enpower children to dictate their position on the dialectic between prospect/exposure and refuge/envelpoment (to construct a sense of safety)
• Offer solitary spaces/hides for the children (allows the use of natural/inner coping mechanisms and develops them, aids well being and homeostasis, develops the self)
• Provide relaxing activities e.g hobbies/crafts (full relaxation is paradoxical, contrary to hypervigilance it may put the child in a vulnerable and hence perceived dangerous state. Hobbies/crafts involve relaxation whilst maintaining an alertness and engagement with the environment)
• Incorporate space for low intensity exercise indoor and/or outdoor (decreases anxiety, depression and enhances positive mood. High intensity exercise implies high arousal which can cue a traumatic memory, therefore lower intensity exercise is preferable)
• Provide a space to meditate/relax (For those able children/ adults it can reduce anxiety and depression. Often accompanies CBC)
• Not allow the children to be startled e.g by traffic/surprise encounters (a hypervigilant child may feel very endangered in this situation)
• Offer participation in normal childhood activities/integration with local children (to develop social skills)
• Offer psychoeducation for parents/carers (parents/carers support is also crucial during treatment, they may also receive counselling/education to enable them to help their children with PTSD)

A Sustainable Architecture

• Biofuelled CHP plant supplies heat (underfloor) and electric. Also supports local farming through diversification
• Natural daylighting into all spaces
• Located within walking distance of Warkworth, would also be supported by local transport infrastructure
• Availability of locally sourced produce from Warkworth
• Use of reduced cement content concrete, to minimise Co2 emissions
• Composting toilets minimising water consumption (compost used to fertilize garden)
• Locally sourced materials
• Built on existing clearence in the landscape (car park and picnic area)
• Sunken courtyard garden enhancing biodiversity
• A green footprint (Earth sheltering reclaims building footprint)
• Earth sheltering to insulate and reduce energy losses
• Use of natural insulants (sheeps wool and earth sheltering)
• Green roof moderates rain water runoff
• Minimal structural maintainance in erosive costal location (use of concrete and torten steel)
• Natural ventilated spaces
• Use of passive solar heat gains
• Minimal visual intrusion into natural landscape
• Integrated with landscape

The Architects for Health
First Student Health Design Award
was sponsored by

modulex

Ignacio Melero and Team, who are studying at the Medical Architectural Research Unit, UK (first year, part time), entered the Architects for Health’s First Student Health Design Award (2007) with the following submission. For contact please email: imelarq@hotmail.com

Master Plan for the Redevelopment of St Paul’s Hospital Site, Haringey, London

Architect – Ignacio Melero. Team members: Louisa Campbell, Jennifer Morgan, Martin Norton and Colin Glen

Introduction

Barnet, Endfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust employ over 2600 staff and have an annual income of £184 million for 2006/07. They offer a range of services to just over 1 million people living in the London Boroughs of Barnet, Enfield, Haringey and parts of South Hertfordshire. They also provide some specialist services to other parts of the country.

The range of services provided include:

Services for young children
Services for adults and older people
Specialist services – including medium secure, eating disorders, brain injury rehabilitation and substance misuse.

Working in partnership with local universities they have an active research and development team who support staff with the development of proposals and research programmes.

This year the Trust has started the long journey towards planning the reposition of the mental health services on the current St Paul’s Hospital site inTottenham. This has involved bringing together all stakeholders to develop a vision and plan for what mental health services should look like for the 21st century. Services at St Paul’s Hospital need modernization – a lot of the infrastructure is crumbling and difficult to maintain and it should not be forgotten that St Paul’s was never built to be a mental health hospital. The work has been steered by a group of all the partners who use the site.

Local Strategies

Tottenham Hale International is an initiative to develop a new master plan for the Tottenham Hale area and provides residents with an opportunity to comment on emerging proposals.

Haringey’s Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy (HNRS) provides the framework for renewal of the most deprived parts of the borough over the next decade by providing a guide to how more detailed plans for neighbourhoods and borough services join up and a framework for partners’ and partnerships future work.

The Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF) aims to improve standards of health, education, housing and environment, to decrease crime and unemployment and to close the gap between the worst of neighbourhoods and the rest of the Country.

Site Analysis

The existing site is flat with buildings not exceeding three storeys (with the exception of the water tower). There is a raised railway line to the south and a main road to the north. Victorian/Edwardian housing supports the boundaries of the site and continues into the surrounding area. There is a large car park opposite the main entrance. The buildings currently located on site are a mixture of 1960s, 70s & 80s with no listed buildings. The site is enclosed within a high brick wall with some mature trees/shrubs to its perimeter and within.

Local Transport Links

The St.Paul’s site is located in the South of the borough and is served by two main roads, the A105 & A503 and the B152 St.Ann’s road, on which the main entrance to the site is situated. Access to London Underground (Seven Sisters) and Network Rail Services (Haringey, Seven Sisters, Haringey Green Lanes) are within walking or “pram pushing” distance of the site.

The overarching aim of the transport plan is to increase access to the site for patients, staff and visitors by the use of public transport and other non-car means. Patients with a disability or mobility problems will be catered for within the development.

Urban Proposal

The landscaping and the boulevard layout of the site will in particular lend itself to ease of access for the local community, other visitors, carers, staff, support vehicles and public transport. By employing features designed to dramatically reduce traffic speeds the boulevards will enhance opportunities for safe play areas, seating, cycling and walking.

The boulevard is the key where the cars give way to the pedestrians and people are the principal users.

The park is integrated as part of the site by means of boulevards. There are clear connections through the park from the North side and through the boulevard from East and West side.

Also between the buildings secondary boulevards are created where we find patient pathways, different environments with areas for relaxation time, play areas for older and young people and also spaces for summer and winter.

We create a friendly environment where patients feel better.

Brief

• Open site with good public transport access, wide boulevards, controlled site traffic, safe pedestrian walkways and cycle paths.
• Extensive residential development with expansion space for S106 requirements.
• Training and development facilities for Trust staff and staff of other organizations.
• Primary care, diagnostic services, therapies, social care and welfare as a hub of support services for the community and inpatient services.
• Rehab based mental health and learning disabilities services.
• Common links in terms of design, art work, energy and sustainability.
• High quality secondary care franchises to add value and attract patients from wider catchments.
• A range of community facilities encompassing leisure, adult education recreation and sports.
• Landscaping and site layout design to attract local community and visitors to the site

Sustainability

• Designing to minimize the impact of global warming within the design life of the buildings. Consider impact on occupant comfort and possible occupant request for air-conditioning due to lack of inclusion of passive over-heat control techniques in the architecture of the building.
• Consideration of air in buildings, its usage, measures to improve air quality, encourage natural ventilation and reduce emissions.
• Consideration of occupant productivity issues such as use of day lighting quality and quantity, ventilation, acoustic environment and minimization of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
• Use of energy simulation techniques for each building on site to inform site energy strategy.
• Identification of the need for cooling energy on site and how this may be best achieved (use of techniques such as ground water or earth tubes to pre-cool ventilation air.
• All in knowledge that modern highly insulated buildings have minimal heating requirements, but may have almost year-round cooling energy requirements.

Design Proposal

The Peace Room and Garden Project aims to create a multi-faith ‘Peace Room’ and complementary outdoor garden space for patients, families, visitors and staff of St Paul’s Hospital. It is an inspiring demonstration of what can be achieved with the combination of vision, energy and talent from all collaborators.

The provision of an organic market garden will provide a therapeutic context to the in patient services as well as longer term training and development opportunities for both patients and the local community. Selling local produce either through on-site retails units or directly to the site restaurant could significant reduce the need for external funding for this project.

The design of the boulevard pedestrian pathways onto and off the site incorporates the service user need for privacy and dignity within a safe and secure pleasant outdoor space. The layout encourages interaction through conversation and walking routes whilst acting as an efficient way finding route around the site incorporating subtle signage and recognisable landmarks in the form of art and sculpture.

The Architects for Health
First Student Health Design Award
was sponsored by

modulex