Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital
- Location
- Brighton, UK
- Client
- Kajima, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust
- Expertise
- Civil & Structural Engineering
- Sustainability
- Building Services Engineering
- Acoustics
- Architecture
- Completion
- 2007
- Cost
- £37m
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.
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)