I wanted my first blog post to be something positive but this eye-wateringly ugly image from the front cover of today’s BD magazine has provoked me into type.  The arrogance of this ’distinctive contemporary design’ is startling.  I can’t believe that many architects think this building has sufficient merit to be on the front cover of a national publication either but it does prove the value of a good PR firm.

Wall protection needn’t be boring… be inspired by the hungry caterpiller!

The writings of James Joyce, the scribblings of Kate Bush and the design work of my ex-employer, Nightingales. Who’d have thought they could be so intertwined? Probably just me. Below, is the text from an as yet unreleased press report by journalist Will Hurst regarding research into alternative therapy and it’s possible impact on healthcare design. I hope you find it of interest, especially as it shows some insight into the work of a potential competitor in the health sector, particularly where both P+HS and NA’s spheres overlap across South Yorks and the Midlands. 

Nightingale Associates is to put a decades’ worth of research into the healing aspects of design to the test, under a unique project also involving the Building Centre, Arup and electronics giant Philips. By Will Hurst  Together they have devised the Hpod, designed to demonstrate how manipulating the five senses can affect wellbeing and healing.  The Hpod will form the centrepiece of a public exhibition at the Building Centre next autumn, and is set to influence government policy on hospitals and could even revolutionise building design in general by focusing architects on the benefits of lighting and sound rather than the fabric of buildings.  

The pod — which individuals sit in to receive a tailor-made cocktail of sensations according to an individual “prescription” — is designed to show how single rooms in hospitals can respond to a patient’s needs through smart card technology.  Richard Mazuch, a respected figure in healthcare design and director of Nightingale’s, who has been working on the prototype device explained: “We have been collecting data on sense-sensitive design from around the world for 10 years, and I can actually give you a prescription to get better based on colour, views lighting, touch and so on.  

“Studies have shown, for instance, that visions of snow and ice can reduce the pain of burns victims. We know that the colour orange helps mothers lactate and the smell of vanilla helps babies to feed.  “We are going to build these pods in the Building Centre. They will have flatscreen monitors inside and some will be heated, some will be oscillating, some will have air pumped in… it all relates to research. We are trying to bring all the evidence-based knowledge we have to create the optimum healing environment.”  

Chief architect at the Department of Health’s estates and facilities department Chris Farrah called the Hpod an “exciting and innovative” development.  “This is the first time anyone has tried to grab hold of all of the information [on sense-sensitive design] and make… tangible modifications to the healthcare environment in this way,” he said. “I will be very interested to see it in action and would like to be able to use it to inform the department’s work.”  

The partners also hope the device can be modified for use in the education sector by using lighting and acoustics to influence the ability to learn.

As part of our commitment to ISO 14001 - Environmental Management Systems, we are monitoring the progress of the Significant Environmental Aspects that are listed within the EMS booklet. By way of an update, I would like to identify the actions that are currently taking place and the progress being made: 

Sustainable Building Design - By far the most important aspect for us and where we can make the biggest impact! This is an element that ties in the Vision and Strategy of the Company and is being overseen by Chris Dennis. A workgroup is being formed and lead by Cath Kidd, to ensure that environmental issues are at the forefront of our designs.

Use of Electricity - Electricity use is being monitored across both Offices. I will be comparing the meter readings, on a 6 monthly basis, with last years readings. We all need to maintain our discipline and ensure that all electrical items are switched off when not being used.

Use of Gas - Gas use is being monitored within the Leeds Office. A reduction can be made by locally monitoring the heating controls on individual radiators. It is up to you and your colleagues to be sensible and agree a suitable radiator heat output. 

Use of Oil - Oil use is being monitored within the Stokesley Office. A reduction can be made by locally monitoring the heating controls on individual radiators. It is up to you and your colleagues to be sensible and agree a suitable radiator heat output. 

Use of Cars - The challenge is to reduce company mileage by 10% over the next two years. Please consider your next car journey; is it necessary? can I use the Train? can I cover a number of sites visits/meetings in one journey? Mileage should be monitored and reduced, but without any detrimental effect to our projects. 

Use of Paper / Recycling - The idea of a paperless office is not an unfamiliar concept. However, it is accepted that, at present, this is not feasible, but we can do more to reduce the amount of paper we use. Please give careful thought before printing. Also, please use the Planning Portal, this omits the need for submitting paper copies. With respect to paper recycling - the Leeds Office have a good recycling system and the Stokesley Office are currently reviewing their procedures.