Highgate East: Designing a truly effective space for mental health recovery
Highgate East: Designing a Truly Effective Space for Mental Health Recovery
Buildings are more than just bricks and mortar. They are spaces which enable our communities to thrive. Whether that’s a school that encourages interactive learning, a hospital that saves lives, or in the case of Highgate East, a facility that allows people to heal.
As Design Manager for this project, I take pride in bringing this vision to life; reimagining mental health care spaces, aiming not just to treat, but to de-stigmatise mental health, allowing its patients to thrive.
A Vision for Change
From the outset, we aimed to create a welcoming, accessible space that would blend seamlessly into the community. Ryder Architects’ design included public areas like a café, inviting local engagement on the design. Key features, such as a modern sports hall allows patients to maintain their physical health, which we know can benefit mental health. Secure outdoor spaces and interiors are informed by calming colour psychology, which enhances therapeutic experience.
Local planning regulations posed challenges, such as height restrictions and high-quality façade requirements. But we worked together with our partners to find solutions through the creative use of precast materials.
Navigating Challenges and Maintaining the Design Vision through Collaboration
Early collaboration with the NHS Trust, the design team, and BAM’s supply chain was essential, ensuring the involvement of subcontractors experienced in healthcare and anti-ligature products, maintaining the design vision alongside practical needs.
The Covid pandemic required a shift to online stakeholder meetings, which posed unique challenges. Despite this, feedback from clinical teams and patients remained crucial, focusing on elements like MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) systems and landscape design. 3D modelling was invaluable, it allowed us to explore and optimise the relationship between the structure and the façade while accommodating the various MEP systems needed to create a functional yet healing environment.
Lessons Learned for Future Projects
Reflecting on this journey, we identified key lessons. Standardisation in room types and early client sign-offs to streamline processes. Consistency within teams helps maintain momentum, while early engagement is vital to success. Improved guidelines for mental health facilities would also benefit future projects, as current standards leave much open to interpretation.
A Heartwarming Impact
At a recent event, Chief Medical Officer Vincent Kirchner, North London NHS Foundation, highlighted the contrast between traditional mental health facilities and Highgate East’s thoughtful design. Seeing the positive impact on service users was a proud moment, reaffirming the importance of our work. In times of pressure and the difficulties of the build, it’s easy to forget what you’re doing this for; helping those in our society in a compassionate way.
Highgate East exemplifies the power of thoughtful design, digital innovation, and collaboration. The lessons learned here will guide future initiatives, fostering enhanced mental health care across projects.
About the author
Bev Harrison
Bev is a Design Manager for BAM and has worked in the construction industry for 15 years.
After graduating from university, she started work as a Document Controller and before developing into a Design Manager.
She joined BAM 5 years ago, switching from the residential sector to the healthcare and education sectors and is now working with the team at Brent Cross Plot 01.
