Nightingale Associates scoops
Building Better Healthcare award
16 November 2009
Nightingale Associates received the Patient Environment Class Award for Best Interior Design at the Building Better Healthcare Awards.
Nightingale Associates, a leading architectural practice specialising in healthcare, education and science, scooped the Patient Environment Class Award for Best Interior Design of the Centre of Neuromuscular Diseases at UCLH at this year’s Building Better Healthcare (BBH) Awards.
The annual BBH Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and professionalism in the healthcare built environment, looking specifically at building design, the patient environment, people, products and estates and facilities management.
The winning project, the Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases at UCLH, was extensively refurbished earlier this year to provide a stimulating and modern environment in which to conduct specialist scientific research. The centre, which is located in an early twentieth-century central London building, has a ‘contemporary fitting in the classical shell’ design theme, displaying a unique mix of modern architectural design concepts with many carefully-restored original features.
The judging panel recognised the scheme specifically for its interior design, which enhanced the original features of the building and created a contemporary clean impression of the front of house, ensuring patients’ comfort and a pleasant working environment for staff. As a building that facilitates advanced research into its fields, the design needed to be clean, modern and able to accommodate the most up-to-date research technology.
“The success of this scheme can be attributed to teamwork and a clear collective vision from the outset of the project. Our primary aim was to raise the aspirations of not only the centre’s visitors, patients and staff but all building users. This has successfully been achieved through the harmonious interface of both existing and contemporary features.”
Neil Murphy, London Office Principal, Nightingale Associates
Each area of the centre uses flashes of bold, contemporary colours to differentiate between different areas of the building. What were once cluttered and uninspiring areas are now clearly-defined hallways, providing clear links to various parts of the building.
In addition, the building is equipped with many of the latest technological advances, including an AV-connected microscope in the seminar room. Sustainability features include the use of natural light, which was maximized by setting the ceilings as high as possible; internal glazing allows light deeper into the rooms and mechanical ventilation maximises natural air flow. Other features include a staff rest area designed to resemble a street café, open-plan communal corridors and a hot-desk facility for external consultants.
The senior judging panel consisted of: Design consultant, Jane Priestman OBE, RENEW Northwest’s Beatrice Fraenkel, Research fellow of the Helen Hamlyn Centre at Royal College of Art, Ed Matthews, National Chairman of HEFMA, Kevin Oxley, Special Advisor for Health at the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), Susan Francis.
"Well done and congratulations to all involved in this scheme. Not only is this fantastic recognition for the wide variety of work that we do but also demonstrates our commitment to providing the health industry with innovative, sustainable designs that enhance the experiences of both staff and patients.”
Richard Harrington, Executive Chairman, Nightingale Associates
The awards, which have been running for eleven years, received a record 156 entries this year. The winners were revealed at a grand awards ceremony on 12th November 2009 at the Brewery in London.
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