New images reveal designs for £671m Northern Ireland Children’s Hospital
AECOM and Isherwood + Ellis Architects have recently partnered on a series of major healthcare projects for the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.
The most recent commission, the new Northern Ireland Children’s Hospital, has been given formal approval with work beginning imminently. In addition to architecture, AECOM is providing NEC project management, civil, structural, interior design and landscape architectural services on the project.
Trevor Leaker, Head of Architecture and Design, UK & Ireland, AECOM, said: “This state-of-the-art hospital is an important addition to Northern Ireland’s health estate, enabling the best-quality care possible while making a demonstrable contribution towards its ambitious sustainability goals. In line with its design and art strategy, the hospital has been shaped to fill the wards with natural daylight, with rooms sitting on the upper floors so children have views over the Belfast hills and beyond.
“It was essential that the design didn’t compromise on quality care, putting children and their families at the very heart of them. The internal spaces thoughtfully consider the diverse needs of children of all ages, incorporating a blend of calming, playful and age-appropriate environments that work together to foster a positive and healing environment for young patients.”
Kenneth Fleming, Partner at Isherwood + Ellis, said: “From the very beginning of the project, in all our design decisions we have adopted the concept of ‘The Child First and Always’. Going into hospital for any reason is not easy, particularly for children and their families. It was therefore vital that the new building did not feel intimidating or institutional whilst not compromising clinical needs. Like any hospital, we wanted to create a place of healing, ensuring that patients, their families and staff feel comfortable and safe at all times.”