Cambridge Health Alliance

  • Owner:
    Cambridge Health Alliance
  • Architect:
    Lavallee Brensinger Architects
  • Scope:
    Adult Inpatient Psychiatric Unit
  • Location:
    Cambridge, MA

Design-build renovation of an inpatient psychiatric services department to create a safe and calming patient-centered space. Designed around a beach theme, the unit was completely renovated, and several walls removed, to improve sight lines and increase natural light, creating an open and therapeutic atmosphere.

A multipurpose room, as well as enlarged patient rooms and bathrooms, were added for privacy and to create new program space. A wave shaped nurses’ station desk was custom crafted from Corian using a Thermoforming process to create a welcoming and unique reception area that is visible throughout the unit. Caregiver workspaces were relocated to allow for a dedicated staff entrance, a private break room, a reorganized team room with integrated conferencing tools, and a documentation area for focused work. 

The fast-track project was completed in four months among ongoing operations in the occupied hospital. Utilizing 3D modeling and virtual technology early in the design process, work was thoughtfully sequenced to meet a tight deadline and minimize on-going supply-chain issues.