Abstract
The goal of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP, funded by Innovate UK) project described in this paper is to transform Newham University Hospital (NUH) in East London into a beacon of ‘healthy placemaking’. Historically, NHS approach to estates management has been reactive, and over 1.6ha of NUH’s 13ha site is significantly underused. The opportunity to develop a masterplan has been overlooked; there are few examples of urban design approaches to health in the NHS. The hospital serves a diverse, deprived population with complex needs, served by sub-optimal services and there are several examples of relevant missed opportunities at NUH. In 2024 a new respiratory ward was constructed with beds directly overlooking a poorly utilised area of asphalt/car parking. By introducing and embedding a co-design process, the KTP Associate will develop a masterplan to guide capital expenditure on spatial development making NUH a better place to work/use, within a cohesive strategic vision for future growth; integrating preventative healthcare, and sustainability, whilst being adaptable to future changes. Programmatic activities bearing minimum cost, such as nature walks and rewilding, can have great impact. Effective healthy placemaking at NUH will lead to commercial impacts via a mixture of cost-savings due to workforce impacts, incoming grant and capital funding, and wider NHS impact. Successful embedding of expertise and cultural shift will mean that as and when capital funding emerges, a health-creating approach to design will be taken. A well-designed and health-oriented site will lead to improvements in staff recruitment/retention and will become a community asset.
Presenters
Jane ClossickSenior Lecturer in Architecture and Urban Design, School of Art, Architecture and Design, London Metropolitan University, Tower Hamlets, United Kingdom
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
KEYWORDS
Knowledge Transfer Partnership, Knowledge Exchange, Healthy Placemaking, London, Healthcare Design
