Research
Our commitment to evidence based design stems from the director’s former involvement with the Medical Architecture Research Unit, in London. Research is a crucial and significant component of all our projects. We exchange the latest thinking in healthcare design with a worldwide network of contacts and are regularly invited to speak at international conferences and provide peer review.
Since 1991 Medical Architecture have been delivering healthcare facility design guidance and providing consultancy services to the UK and European Health Departments. We encourage research to improve service outcomes, evaluate numerous completed projects and partake in the production of design manuals for clients.
At present Medical Architecture are working on a programme of research in partnership with the University of Sheffield funded through HaCIRIC. The company also have a partnership with software company Massive to develop activity driven 3D simulation modelling for medical environments. We regularly contribute to NHS publications, most recently ‘Laying the foundations for better acute mental healthcare’ published by DH Estates and CSIP Acute Care Programme, May 2008.
A prime project example of research is our recent pilot ward for Hillingdon Hospital . This project was commissioned partly by The Department of Health to aid research as part of HBN04_01 ‘Adult In-patient Facilities’ and by the Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust as part of the new Bevan Ward relocation. Central to the initiative is the plan to test the prototype accommodation in use through an evidence-based programme of research. The research continues and will evaluate the prototype unit alongside wards in the present hospital and other NHS hospitals for comparable groups of patients.
Medical Architecture have advised the following professional bodies:
- NHS Estates Design Review Panel
- NHS Estates Technical Advice and R&D consultancy
- Architects for Health
- Future Healthcare Network
- RIBA Health Forum
Download the list of Medical Architecture's Research Publications
