Metropolis Magazine highlights nature-inspired design of Sheppard Pratt’s mental health hospital
August 8, 2022
Social Sharing
Sheppard Pratt's Baltimore/Washington Behavioral Health Hospital in Elkridge, Maryland, opened in 2021 to dispel the misconceptions that surround mental healthcare. Metropolis Magazine spoke with our team about the role design played in creating a facility that normalizes mental health and makes it more accessible for all.
According to the piece, creating a sense of belonging and community was paramount when designing the building, and drawing inspiration from the forest helped further this goal. Interior courtyards and exterior pathways offer a variety of opportunities for connecting with the nearby hills, hollows, creeks and wetlands while maintaining patient privacy and safety. And just as the trees create a symbiotic ecosystem, the various environments within evoke support and protection.
Testimonials
Strategically, our team organized the hospital into three zones: a space to connect with the community, an outpatient zone for patients and family, and a patient-exclusive zone. Everything was methodically planned to enhance privacy for patients while feeling inviting to the community.
