Using BIM to secure stakeholder buy-in

We worked with medical practitioners, representatives across the university including support services and the Cripps Foundation to develop designs for the new generation building which replaced the original building that opened in 1969.

Highly-accurate visualisations of the building and interiors were developed using information from the Revit Model and the NHS Activity Database, these informed our user group meetings where we gained insight from the stakeholders throughout the project. This helped to inform key decisions throughout the entire design process, as well as supporting high-level coordination of the architecture, structures, services and furniture design.

As well as radically updating the facilities, the new centre now provides a holistic approach to health and dental care for the university, the wider community and its growing patient registration list of 41,000 patients.

Healthcare inspired by homes

In stark contrast to a typical urban health centre, Cripps Health Centre was built on a human scale and sits harmoniously within the green campus at the University of Nottingham.

The 3,125sqm building was designed specifically to create a patient-friendly, non-institutional environment. This has resulted in defined public areas for visitors with clinical rooms positioned at the back of the centre which benefit from landscaped views over the heart of the campus and the courtyard’s wellbeing and medicinal garden.

Separate wings have been created to house the GP and dental accommodation while the new pharmacy sits separately, but as an integrated service.

Improving the patient experience

The new facility enhances user experience by offering first-class medical facilities and a greater choice of NHS services within its 31 GP consultant rooms, one four-bed GP patient observation room, physiotherapy rooms, GP enhanced procedure and treatment rooms, rooms to support mental health and eight dental treatment rooms. These rooms are complemented by waiting areas, WC facilities, training rooms, interview spaces and administration and storage rooms. All rooms have been deigned to contemporary standards.

Setting a precedent for future schemes

Green in both sustainability and setting, the building’s BREEAM rating was achieved through incorporating fabric first principles, photovoltaic solar panels, a ground-source heating system and orientation maximising natural daylight and landscaped views.

The result is a patient focussed, welcoming and modern healthcare setting fit for purpose for many years to come.

To find out more about our healthcare projects, visit our projects page or join the conversation at @cpmgArchitects.