Bringing the latest trends in treatment from Europe, the Gold Coast University Hospital’s soon-to-be-opened mental health unit boasts open-plan, colourful interiors and living spaces that emphasis a patients independence.
It’s a far cry from the kind of grim ‘madhouse’ people suffering mental health issues were committed to only decades ago.
And it was recently recognised as among the best new mental health facilities in the world at the ninth annual Design and Health International Academy Awards.
Project director, GCUH Architecture principal and HASSELL principal Ron Bridgefoot said the concept was developed using research which showed that gardens and natural surroundings can help calm agitated or anxious patients and ease depression.
Australian Institute of Architects’ 2013 Gold Coast/Northern Rivers Regional Architecture Awards – Regional Commendation and the Building of the Year Award
