The new Virginia Treatment Center for Children, part of the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, is one of the largest free-standing children’s mental health centers in the United States. The child-specific center uses design elements to both destigmatize behavioral and mental healthcare and support healing.
The facility was designed for both inpatient and outpatient care. There are 32 inpatient beds with the ability to expand to 48 beds to support expected volume. Each inpatient unit is self-contained and includes 16 beds; an activity zone with treatment, therapy, and recreational areas; a clinician zone; and direct access to secure courtyard and enclosed backyard outdoor activity areas.
The outpatient clinic includes group rooms, 20 consultation rooms, and integrated research space. The one-story in-patient building connects to the two-story outpatient and administrative building via a central “main street” spine. In addition to the outpatient clinic, the two-story building also includes patient reception, security, educational rooms, therapy spaces, a half-court gym, and a faith center.
Floor to ceiling windows allow as much natural light as possible in and the color palette is warm and bright. A therapy mall includes occupational, recreational, art, music, and play therapy. The nurses station can control music that is piped throughout the facility.
The major circulation systems run adjacent to outdoor landscaping and patient areas include large windows overlooking private garden space.The exterior of the building breaks away from a traditional “institutional” style and instead opts for terraced and undulating curved forms.
Related Stories
Healthcare Facilities | Apr 9, 2019
How healthcare organizations can leverage design and culture's symbiotic relationship
The relationship between workplace design and company culture isn’t all that different from a tango.
Healthcare Facilities | Apr 3, 2019
Patients will actively seek out lower-cost and virtual healthcare in the future
Mortenson’s latest study finds that Millennials’ inclinations toward technological solutions are changing how care is and will be delivered.
Healthcare Facilities | Apr 3, 2019
Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart addition includes 175,000 sf of new construction
HKS Architects designed the addition.
Healthcare Facilities | Mar 29, 2019
Former grocery store becomes a cancer care center in New Jersey
Francis Cauffman Architects (FCA) designed the adaptive reuse project.
Healthcare Facilities | Mar 27, 2019
Working to reduce HAIs: How design can support infection control and prevention
For many health systems, seeking ways to mitigate HAIs and protect their patients is a high priority.
Healthcare Facilities | Mar 6, 2019
What is the role of the architect in healthcare data security?
Safeguarding sensitive data is top of mind for healthcare administrators across the country, and, due to the malicious intents of hackers, their security efforts are never-ending.
Healthcare Facilities | Feb 20, 2019
A new hospital in Qatar reflects local culture in its design
Three ceramic-clad sails transport its exterior.
Healthcare Facilities | Jan 31, 2019
First phase of SickKids campus redevelopment plan unveiled
The Patient Support Centre will be the first project to comply with Toronto’s Tier 2 Building Standards.
Healthcare Facilities | Dec 12, 2018
Almost Home Kids opens third residence in Illinois for children with health complexities
Its newest location is positioned as a prototype for national growth.
Healthcare Facilities | Dec 7, 2018
Planning and constructing a hybrid operating room: Lessons learned
A Hybrid operating room (OR) is an OR that is outfitted with advanced imaging equipment that allows surgeons, radiologists, and other providers to use real-time images for guidance and assessment while performing complex surgeries.