Balancing Safety, Comfort, and Function: MEP Strategies for Behavioral Health Facilities
Although crucial to the efficient operation of any building, MEP systems in behavioral and mental healthcare facilities must be engineered to accommodate the diverse range of services, addressing the needs of patients across demographic groups and supporting the specialized programs essential to their care.
In an article for Medical Construction & Design, AEI's Kwongyee Yeong and Sean Lawler discuss MEP design strategies for behavioral health facilities, exploring features that not only promote patient safety and comfort but also enhance facility functionality. This includes:
- Reducing the risk of harm by strategically placing controls and fixtures and using ligature-resistant equipment.
- Enhancing the healing environment with lighting and HVAC features that improve patient and staff comfort, health, and well-being.
- Designing systems that are reliable, easy to operate, accessible, and maintainable, with a focus on resilience planning.
By collaborating closely with clients and end users and thoroughly understanding the specific needs of behavioral and mental health facilities, designers can develop spaces that are both functional and comforting for patients and staff, while also balancing initial costs with long-term operational efficiency.