E4H Environments for Health Architecture completed the renovation of the Psychiatric Unit at UMASS Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The 8th level of the H building is being renovated as part of a multiphase project to include updated Medical Surgical patient rooms, Pharmacy, Psychiatric unit and support space to meet Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) Guidelines.

As part of the phased renovations, the psychiatric unit includes updated patient rooms, new social spaces, and support areas. Diverse space types allow choice of social engagement during a patient’s stay. A dedicated quiet social room benefits small group or individual activities such as art or puzzles. The adjacent sensory room offers peaceful space for reflection. Various furniture solutions provided in the noisy social space accommodate in-unit dining, television viewing and monitored computer access. A large ceiling biophilic light creates a focal feature in the room as the light levels mimic the sun’s natural movement throughout the day. Respite areas with built-in bench seating are located in the corridors & adjacent to the nurse station as a central gathering zone. Warm colors and large landscape wall graphics located strategically throughout support a natural and comforting environment for healing.

The Medical Surgical suite, Pharmacy and additional support spaces begin construction in 2019.

Architect: E4H Environments for Health Architecture
Photography: William Horne