Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital

A revolutionary boat-inspired hospital buoyed by family values.

We created the ‘Children’s Ark’ — a sustainable community built around user needs, the concept of the family and Brighton’s nautical spirit.

Clinical studies helped us plan departments: the top decks house parents’ accommodation, a staff lounge and children’s play decks open to sea and sun, while inpatients are above clinical support with outpatients below.

Furniture and windows are child-scaled and all bedrooms have sea views. Meanwhile balconies provide relaxation areas on every floor and the central atrium binds all levels, delivering natural light and acting as a social hub.

Brief

  • design a new children’s hospital — one of only seven dedicated paediatric hospitals in the UK
  • maximise space on a very tight site

Results

  • successful centralisation of regional paediatric services
  • widespread international recognition
  • a reassuring and optimistic experience for children, families and staff
  • awards: Civic Trust Award 2009, The Prime Minister's Better Public Building Award 2008, Design and Health Academy Award (Healthcare Design Project Award) 2007, Building Better Healthcare Award (Highly Commended — Best Designed Hospital and Winner, Best Client Team) 2007, Health Business Award (Hospital Building Award) 2007, Mix Interiors Award 2008 (Public Sector Interiors Project of the Year)

Facts

Location: Brighton, UK
Client: Kajima, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust
Construction cost: £37m
Completed: 2007
Awards: 7

Integrated services

architecture, interior design, graphic design, environmental engineering, structural engineering, lighting, acoustics

Links to images