WakeBrook Behavioral Health Facility ls3p
Wake County

Wakebrook Campus

The restructuring of mental health services delivery by the State of North Carolina has resulted in gaps between service providers for the full range of patients. This facility seeks to fill those gaps in the mental health continuum of care for the citizens of Wake County, and deliver services in a welcoming, non-institutional setting.

The owner and designers collaborated to incorporate best practices for mental health care treatment facilities in the design, with the ultimate goal of providing spaces with tranquility, familiarity and dignity for recovery and healing. Architectural priorities included increased access to natural spaces in order to reduce stress, security which is subtle yet strong, and enhanced visibility for staff observations and patient safety. Visual qualities throughout the campus are familiar and comforting without appearing clinical. Spaces are warm and human-scale, while retaining the flexibility required to accommodate diverse patient needs. To achieve these goals, designers divided the program into two smaller buildings, with patient areas radiating off of central nursing stations and public areas. Large glass window openings provide natural light and a connection to nature, while the articulation of the brick and stone façade breaks down the massing of the buildings and creates a welcoming point of entry. These strategies give the buildings a feeling of familiarity, warmth, and comfort in order to promote healing, avoiding the stigma associated with a more clinical facility while maintaining the functionality required for security and effective treatment.

LOCATION: Raleigh, NC
SIZE: 60,000 SF
COMPLETED: 2010
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