Architecture studios including HKS, Cagni Williams, and Sonnemann Toon Architects work at the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital. It is 11-storeys and located right by a canal in Smethwick by Birmingham. The structure is defined by the large winter garden which enhances a sense of relaxation for visitors. This was built as a part of the New Hospital Programme and it fuses emergency care from two hospitals.
The regional practice director for health at HKS, Jane Ho shares with Dezeen, "From the outset the team was inspired by the unique opportunity afforded by the site's canal-side setting and the potential for regeneration the site embodied. The hospital includes green spaces, both indoors and outdoors for relaxation and respite, supporting recovery and offering mental relief in a clinical setting. By focusing on natural light, green spaces, calming materials, art, and intuitive design, it creates a space that promotes healing and comfort without sacrificing the advanced medical care that a modern hospital requires."
Large Winter Garden Hospitals
HKS Designs the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital
Trend Themes
1. Healing Gardens in Healthcare - Incorporating green spaces in hospitals represents a shift towards environments that prioritize mental and physical wellness alongside medical treatment.
2. Integration of Nature in Urban Facilities - Urban infrastructures like hospitals are increasingly integrating natural elements, fostering holistic environments that accommodate both functionality and ecological benefits.
3. Biophilic Design in Healthcare Architecture - Biophilic design trends, emphasizing natural light and greenery, are reshaping healthcare spaces to enhance patient recovery and staff satisfaction.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare Architecture - Innovative designs in healthcare architecture are transforming clinical spaces into healing environments, offering new paradigms in patient care settings.
2. Urban Green Spaces - The rise in urban green spaces within healthcare settings underscores the importance of ecological features in improving patient outcomes and urban health.
3. Interior Landscaping - Interior landscaping within hospitals provides opportunities for creating therapeutic environments that blend natural and built elements for enhanced healing experiences.