Can thoughtful design transform the healing experience?
Design is reshaping mental health care, fostering spaces that embrace a whole-person approach. These facilities prioritise not just the patients but also their families and carers, creating a connected network of healing and support.
By Stephen Watson, Principal
The award-winning Ipswich Hospital Acute Mental Health Unit is the latest example of Hassell’s innovative approach to redefining care through design. This 64-bed, multi-storey facility in Ipswich, Australia, places recovery-focused, whole-person care at its heart. Every element of the design — architecture, interiors and landscape architecture — works in harmony to support patients, their families, and the staff who care for them.
More than just a building, the facility creates a nurturing network around each individual, restoring dignity to the healing process and normalising mental health care in the community. It sets a new standard for recovery-oriented care in Australia, offering an environment where people can truly heal.
“The design of the spaces, both inside and out, really makes a difference. It helps calm patients, reduces agitation, and even supports faster recovery.”
— Damien Russell, Nursing Director Community and Acute Mental Health Service, West Moreton Health (Ipswich Hospital)
EMBRACING THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE
Sunlit rooms, open corridors, and lush courtyard gardens are at the heart of a design that connects patients and staff to nature, fostering well-being and accelerating healing. The verdant courtyards offer spaces for retreat and encourage mindful activities like gardening, with bush tucker and herb beds encouraging patients to spend time outdoors in the region’s mild, subtropical climate.
This biophilic approach, embraced by Hassell’s healthcare design experts in acclaimed projects like the award-winning Surgical, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Services (STARS) at Herston Quarter, Brisbane, Australia, is anticipated to deliver enduring benefits — including shorter patient stays and a healthier, more engaged workforce. The design aims to improve staff retention, attract talent, and reduce sick days, setting a new standard for mental health care environments.
“Throughout the care journey, the space feels calm, familiar and safe. As a workplace, it’s designed not just to serve a function, but to inspire everyone who walks through the door.”
— Stephen Watson, Principal
FAMILY PLAY A KEY PART OF THE RECOVERY JOURNEY
The design of the Mental Health Unit prioritises family involvement, creating welcoming spaces that encourage loved ones to play an active role in the healing process. Families and supporters have access to a variety of comfortable settings, from quiet rooms and social spaces to therapy areas and courtyard gardens. A spacious multi-purpose room, paired with an adjacent therapy courtyard, accommodates large or extended family gatherings, fostering connection and support.
“Since the unit opened, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in family visitations and participation in therapy.”
— Damien Russell, Nursing Director Community and Acute Mental Health Service, West Moreton Health (Ipswich Hospital)
This engagement reflects growing confidence among families, who feel more comfortable entering the unit and leaving loved ones in its care. Research underscores that quality family involvement during treatment contributes to a stable home environment, easing the transition home and reducing the risk of relapse.
CARING FOR THE CARERS
Australia is currently facing a significant shortage of mental health workers, with those in the field experiencing burnout rates far higher than in other industries. This underscores the critical need for a work environment that prioritises staff well-being.
The Ipswich facility is designed not only to deliver best-practice care but also to be a safe, attractive, and fulfilling workplace. Staff workstations feature sit-to-stand desks and large windows that flood the space with natural light and offer views of nature.
Comfortable break rooms and a dedicated staff terrace provide much-needed respite, while an integrated education and training hub fosters continuous learning and professional development, ensuring the workforce remains at the forefront of care practices.
“After the first year, the feedback is clear: the uplifting work environment is helping to reduce burnout, cut down on staff turnover, and really boost satisfaction, performance and overall wellbeing.”
— Damien Russell, Nursing Director Community and Acute Mental Health Service, West Moreton Health (Ipswich Hospital)
DESIGNING FOR COUNTRY
The project team took a proactive approach to engage with local First Nations representatives, recognising the importance of meaningful consultation throughout the design process. Their goal was to create a space that not only fosters cultural safety but also celebrates the local community and its connection to Country.
Integrated gardens and expansive views of the surrounding landscape reinforce this deep connection. Every design choice — from the selection of materials and colours to the finishes, textures, and artwork — was refined with First Nations input, drawing inspiration from the local environment.
Sandstone, a significant local feature, is reflected through carefully chosen colours, material layering and textured surfaces. The hues of native eucalyptus trees are woven throughout, while timber elements add warmth, ensuring the building feels welcoming and connected to its natural surroundings.
WELCOMING COMMUNITY
Creating a space where people can enter with pride, not shame, is a powerful step in challenging the stigma around mental health. The design of this facility embraces civic qualities that foster dignity and respect, starting with the arrival experience. Generous lightwells and lush greenery guide visitors inside, offering a sense of safety and inclusion from the moment they arrive.
“We’re seeing real benefits — not just in better healing for patients, but in a more effective and motivated workforce. It’s a win for both health outcomes and cost savings, making a difference for the entire community.”
— Damien Russell, Nursing Director Community and Acute Mental Health Service, West Moreton Health (Ipswich Hospital)
The human-scaled building features an integrated collection of curated artwork by local artists, reflecting themes of Country, renewal, and connection. Celebratory pieces along the external pathways and in the entry foyer enhance the uplifting atmosphere, creating a positive and welcoming first impression.
Accessible and inclusive for people of all cultures, the new facility aims to transform the experience of mental health care, improving outcomes for patients, carers, and families alike.
This feature is a summary of a paper titled Restoring Dignity to the Healing Journey by Stephen Watson, published in The Network’s November 2024 issue.
