Academy Awards 2010 - Mental Health Design

Download the entry form and submission statement

Criteria
Awarded for a mental healthcare facility where an effective reconciliation between issues of security and perceived ‘openness’ are evident and where the operational need for supervision does not overwhelm the imperative to provide a civilising and humane setting to support therapeutic intervention. The project should appear community-friendly. Evidence of safe landscaping is important, as are levels of construction specification to meet informed standards of sustainability.

Design Approach: Demonstrate how the design of the environment supports the wellbeing and quality of life of residents, reduces stress on staff and supports the families and visitors
Sustainability: Demonstrate the integration of sustainable strategies, from 'green' initiatives, maintainability and infection control to the achievement of short and long term flexibility and expansion opportunities
Planning and operational efficiency: Show consideration of preventative, therapeutic and rehabilitative functionality and best design practice in the creation of a supportive and operationally viable environment
Stakeholder engagement: Explain with examples how a multi-disciplinary approach and client/user collaboration achieved an integrated process through the planning, design, technical and operational stages of the project
Innovation: Describe the introduction of design innovations and solutions that placed the user experience at the centre and supported improvements in both service provision and the environment