UMMC N11W Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Unit
Henry Adams provided the MEP engineering design for the 11,500 GSF renovation on the 11th floor of the University of Maryland Medical Center North Hospital building. The renovated space has transformed into a 16-bed inpatient psychiatric unit.
This facility is Maryland's first completely designed as a trauma-informed care program and all patients are treated in a welcoming environment with respect to their own unique challenges. Part of that environment is focused around providing a sense of choice while feeling secure. For example, each room is equipped with controls so that children can select calming sounds or music to listen to and adjust the lighting to suit their individual needs.
It offers patient rooms, counseling rooms, interview rooms, admissions and seclusion rooms, as well as staff and service areas. The common areas include popular activities and toys for children. Calming alcoves are built into the walls to offer comfort and security.
The main unit features staff touchdown spaces which effectively eliminate the need for a single central nurse station and allow the staff to freely interact with patients as needed. One of the unique features of the space is a corridor-long sensory path made of durable floor patterning to create games and physical therapy exercises for those who venture down the corridor. Additionally, to allow for options to decompress or mediate, there is a front porch with comfortable furniture and a sensory room. This project was driven by the shortage of inpatient services for adolescents within the greater Baltimore area.
The mechanical scope includes HVAC and associated controls, as well as plumbing which includes sanitary, venting, water, gas, and medical gases. The fire protection scope includes fire alarm and sprinkler systems. The electrical scope includes power and lighting, as well as electronic safety and security, which consists of access control and video surveillance. The communications scope includes voice/data, public address, and nurse call.
Additional Information:
| Location | Baltimore, MD |
| Owner | University of Maryland Medical Center |
| Architect | Inquiry Architecture + Design |