Speakers at the mhdf forum

Hannah Chamberlain
CEO | Design in Mental Health Network

'Design with People in Mind - Furthering the Vision of Design in Mental Health Network'

An introduction to the Design in Mental Health community and our vision, the partnership with mhdf, the importance of people centred design, and how relationships are what count.

Alice Green
Associate Principal Architect | Arcadis

'Investing in Places of Safety'

A case for investing in Section 136 units or places of safety, using evidence-based design, to aid recovery from the first point of contact with a mental health environment. 

These environments are sometimes the starting point for individuals’ journey to recovery, setting the tone for their patient experience and should provide sanctuary, fostering psychological comfort.

Apart from being safe, we feel that these environments should be more therapeutic.
This can be achieved by using evidence-based design concepts surrounding the senses, proxemics and neurodiversity; biophilic visual interest; organic-influenced materials palette for a tactile experience; forest sounds and smells; circadian rhythm lighting and patient choice.

For the additional upfront capital costs of building in beautiful spaces, could we see greater value in patient wellbeing and self-regulation affecting length of stay and overall recovery?

Lianne Knotts
Director | Medical Architecture

'Medium Secure Spaces that Promote a Meaningful Day: Sycamore at Northgate Park Hospital'

It is well recognised that in secure mental health inpatient units, boredom leads to challenging behaviours and poor physical health. Using the newly completed Sycamore at Northgate Park Hospital as a case study, this presentation will show how considered planning and design can ensure ‘a meaningful day’ for all patients, promoting recovery through activity.

Sycamore provides 74 inpatient beds for men with a range of forensic mental health needs. The campus has been designed to ensure that as many spaces as possible, both inside and out, offer opportunities for mitigating boredom and maximising activity and sports.

A unique feature of the building is the shared central outdoor recreation space which is separated into two distinct character zones: ‘Passive’ and ‘Active’. The ‘Passive’ zone provides opportunities for refuge. The ‘Active’ zone includes a 200m jogging/walking loop, activity spaces and a fitness ‘trim trail’, to promote physical activity and associated wellbeing benefits.

Crystal Jones
Marketing Development Account Manager | International WELL Building Institute

'Advancing Health and Wellbeing Through the Built Environment'

Research shows that we spend almost 90% of our time indoors, so the impact that buildings are having on our health is significant, in fact, our buildings are essentially prescriptions for health and wellbeing. Sick building syndrome is not a new concept, and its impact on healthcare facilities is well documented. As the world’s population ages at an unprecedented rate and mental health illnesses become more and more common, the demand to rethink and radically improve healthcare, senior living facilities and care homes will increase too.

The WELL Building Standard is a vehicle for buildings and organisations to deliver more thoughtful and intentional spaces that enhance human health and wellbeing. WELL includes a set of strategies, backed by the latest scientific research, that aim to advance human health through design, operations and policies.