Teenage Young Adult Unit
What's the project then?
The delivery of a new Teenage Young Adult Unit to create an age appropriate environment for 16-24 years olds with cancer. The unit provides 6 single ensuite bedrooms, a 4 bed day unit, a dedicated social space and all support facilities in a scheme comprised of part new build, part refurbishment.
How much then?
£2.4 million : 100% charitably funded by the Teenage Cancer Trust.
What did Studio Mode do then?
Studio Mode were commissioned as the project manager, concept architect, interior designer and the project arts co-ordinator for this specialist unit. We worked closely with patients, clinicians and hospital mangers throughout – from briefing and costing to business case approval. We produced the concept design and GA plans for user sign-off, then took the role of PM and co-ordinated the design team during the production of working drawings alongside the Hospital's P21 partners. Studio Mode produced a highly detailed interior design, commissioned and selected all artwork, and sourced all furniture for the unit. We took the lead role in liaising with the hospital estates team and gaining all the necessary approvals throughout, whilst ensuring the unique design aesthetic was maintained at all times. We then managed the project on behalf of the hospital during its 29 weeks duration on site, working day-to-day with the neighbouring clinical departments, P21 contractor, clinicians and the estates team through to handover and occupation. Our most emotionally demanding and rewarding project to date.
Anything else?
Yes – From inception to completion, Studio Mode worked closely with an enthusiastic team of 16-24 year old cancer patients. Together, over pizza, we shared many long evenings discussing and exploring their experiences of healthcare (both good and bad), their functional needs, goals and aspirations. Our time spent together developing the design was relaxed, fun, thought provoking and sometimes emotionally draining. We strove hard to give these exceptional young people the trust and respect they deserve – and put their thoughts and experience at the very heart of the project. We valued their opinion. We valued them. The project that resulted was a direct reflection of their drive and aspiration to provide the best possible environment for other young people living with cancer.
Any tricky bits?
Certainly. The new build element involved creating a cantilevered extension at first floor level over an existing main building entrance serving both pedestrians and ambulances. Traffic management and road narrowing/closures meant close liaison with the Hospital's Travelwise team and the adjacent National Blood Service. The footprint of the refurbished area sat over several outpatient departments (Social Services, Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy), and was bordered on two sides by busy inpatient live wards : Oncology to one side and the Welcome Trust Clinical Research Facility to the other. Directly above were 24 hour surgical inpatient wards (including HDU). Liaison with all neighbours and stakeholders throughout the construction phase was paramount to the successful delivery of the scheme. In addition to this, the highly bespoke and exacting nature of the design required exceptional management and leadership from Studio Mode.
Any good then?
The young people involved in the design were ecstatic at seeing the end result as were the several hundred funders who visited the unit on the funders' open day. Teenage Cancer Trust CEO Simon Davis was quoted describing the unit as an outstanding project – given its exceptional combination of high level comfort, ingenious use of space and well thought through functional clinical planning. It was officially opened by Roger Daltrey CBE and Sarah Ferguson Duchess of York.
