Behavioral Health Pavilion and Crisis Response Center

With the objective of creating a normalized healing environment while serving multiple facets of behavioral medicine, the University of Arizona’s one-of-a-kind mental health center is changing the practice of behavioral healthcare. Harmonizing with the climate and raw beauty of the Sonoran desert, the design balances the challenges of a complex interdisciplinary program, unique environmental conditions, and a lean construction budget. A full continuum of care is provided with acute and sub-acute inpatient services, outpatient services, crisis assessment and stabilization, and specialized facilities for law enforcement, paramedics and other first responders.

Composed of two interrelated buildings operating symbiotically to respond to the broadest range of patient needs, the facility integrates physically and operationally with an existing acute care hospital and emergency department. The solution features a parti of parallel “bars” of patient and support spaces and circulation systems oriented along an east/west axis for optimal sun control. Special attention has been given to patient safety, privacy and dignity. All patients have private rooms with access to views and daylight—with independent access points allowing for segregated movement of patients and staff onto units greatly enhancing safety. Access to shaded outdoor gardens is provided on all levels for patients, visitors and staff promoting healing and well-being.