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Crawley's Langley Green Hospital makes use of extensive art projects as a means to facilitate theraputic recovery
Langley Green Hospital, completed in July 2008, provides a 69-bed Adult Mental Health Unit on the outskirts of Crawley.
The design was developed to support the Trust’s model of care which centred on providing meaningful activity to aid recovery, with
therapies and social activities at the heart of the new hospital.
The innovative design gains maximum benefit from the semi-urban
site. The wards are positioned as pavilions in the outer areas with their distinct dedicated gardens. In the centre, linking three of the
wards, is the therapy area which also forms the main circulation spine. The design of the therapies area is distinct from the wards in
material and form, creating interest and attracting patients to use the facilities.
The integration of architecture, landscape and artwork played a crucial role in achieving the aspirations for the hospital. The building
and grounds benefit from an ambitious arts project which incorporated ideas from patients who use the services and staff.
A high priority for the hospital was the need for patients to have personal space and meaningful activity. Throughout, importance has
been given in the design to creating the most appropriate internal and external environments, which provide interest and variety for
patients. The use of interior and exterior spatial concepts, colour, natural and artificial lighting and art all create variety, as well as
providing stimulation or calmness where appropriate.
The scheme achieved an excellent NEAT score and most materials used in the construction were ‘A’ rated in the green guide to
specification.
Langley Green Hospital provides an outstanding care environment to high praise from stakeholders including local councillors,
commissioners, local residents as well as patients and staff. Professor Louis Appleby, who opened the hospital, stated that he would
be naming it as an exemplar in mental health design.
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