Fleet Appointed to Undertake Estates Strategy Project with City St George’s University

Fleet is collaborating with City St George’s, University of London, to develop a comprehensive estates strategy. This initiative involves conducting a series of workshops with the deans of various schools, beginning with the School of Communication and Creativity, which now includes the renowned Urdang Academy. The Urdang Academy, celebrated for its excellence in performing arts education, specialises in training students in musical theatre and dance. The strategy aims to produce a pathway document to guide the university in addressing current and future needs, particularly following expansions such as the integration of St George’s Medical School.

The discussions will consider how the university’s unique geographic setting, straddling the City of London, the London Borough of Islington, and now extending south of the Thames, shapes its footprint and influences the identity of its schools. This dynamic location enables the university to draw on diverse urban contexts, but it also presents challenges in aligning the needs of these distinct areas within a cohesive strategy. Estates play a pivotal role in this process, acting as both an enabler and a limiter—supporting growth, innovation, and collaboration while requiring careful management of space, resources, and infrastructure to meet strategic objectives.

Leveraging their extensive experience in complex estates planning within the NHS and acute care settings, Fleet is well-placed to address challenges faced by City St George’s. These include managing capacity constraints, navigating urban limitations, and fostering inter-departmental collaboration. Fleet’s expertise will be instrumental in shaping an effective estates strategy, ensuring the university’s facilities enable its ambitious growth while reflecting its distinctive identity across its expanding geographic footprint.

How Did We Get Here? Reflections on a Patient Experience in an Endoscopy Unit

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-did-we-get-here-jaime-bishop-whaie/?trackingId=xLCPpItjTkGy%2FaFeCI5aBg%3D%3D

New Specialist Learning Disability and Autism Day Centre for the London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Fleet Architects is delighted to be appointed to lead the redevelopment of the Cherry Trees site into a Specialist Learning Disability and Autism Day Centre for the London Borough of Tower Hamlets (LBTH). This vital project will transform an underutilized school building into a modern, purpose-built facility that will support adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). We are committed to delivering a design that reflects the needs of its users while maximizing the potential of the existing building to create a sustainable and inclusive environment.

Designing for adults with learning disabilities and autism presents significant challenges, particularly in retrofitting a former school building to accommodate the varied and sensitive needs of its users. The facility will serve two distinct groups: individuals with PMLD, who often require accessible and mobility-supportive spaces, and individuals with ASD, who may exhibit complex and challenging behaviours. Features such as a hydrotherapy pool, sensory rooms, calm spaces, and physiotherapy facilities are essential to creating an environment that fosters comfort, therapeutic engagement, and dignity. Fleet Architects brings extensive experience in designing for hydrotherapy uses, which will be integral to the success of this project.

In addition to addressing the limitations of the existing building, Fleet is developing the landscape design in-house with our dedicated landscape design lead. This approach allows us to blur the threshold between indoor and outdoor spaces, using the external environment to augment and expand the building’s capabilities. By carefully integrating landscaping with the overall design, we aim to create a seamless and supportive environment that enhances the experience for users while meeting the Council’s sustainability and net-zero carbon objectives.

Dear Wes… – Fortis Issue 4 Article

The first draft of the Article before publishing in Fortis – A candid letter to the incoming Minister for Health and Social Care:

Dear Wes,

I’m writing regarding the mandate your new government has for a fundamental reset of our ailing NHS estate. Here is my 10-point prescription for an ambitious approach that is as strategic as it is deliverable:

1. Bend the rules

Older Health Building Notes (HBNs) allow for professional interpretation. Emerging guidance lands more like rules and frankly that’s a different beast, one which stifles creativity and flexibility. Can we get back to concise, well-researched documents for clinicians and designers to use as their starting point?

2. Tailor standardisation

I do think that standardisation is part of the answer – but it’s not ALL the answer. There’s no need to reinvent things endlessly, but hospitals are not drive-thrus; they will always be a contextual response to local geography and health need.

3. Learn from the experts

Healthcare architecture is blessed with veterans who have worked through building cycles and know what was successful, and why. Talk to them, use them! Between the late 1970s and early 1990s, 150 nucleus hospitals were built that remain the backbone of acute estate: this was standardisation done well.

4. Get back to the masterplan

Nearly every acute NHS site has become encrusted with carbuncular extensions hurriedly procured with flash-sale funding. Study the palimpsest of the original site and strip things back to basics. Acute sites demand urban design-level thinking and a rigorous development control plan (DCP).

5. Deliver new models of care

New hospitals get votes, but old hospitals can be revitalised if less complex services are released into the community. Think of the Health on the High Street campaign, where redundant shops are being repurposed to provide integrated community health hubs where they’re needed most.

6. Choose the best spot

Hospitals and healthcare systems are urban-scale systems, and key organs of our towns and cities. Working with local authorities as key partners in designing integrated services will accelerate patient access, reduce environmental impact and improve wellbeing.

7. Break out of the boom-and-bust cycle

Never again should a politician wave a promise of new hospitals, irrespective of clinical needs and strategy. Long-term planning must happen beyond political meddling, ensuring equity of coverage and consistency across a project’s lifetime, which will likely last longer than a party’s term in office.

8. Don’t forget mental health

The aftermath of the pandemic looms over an already struggling service in buildings that are not fit for purpose. The environment where care is delivered is critical for recovery – none more so than in mental health. Standard must improve for patient safety, dignity and care.

9. Look after the staff

Visit an old, failing hospital – there’s at least 150 to choose from – and look at the staff room or, if they even exist, the staff changing area. NHS staff are the most valuable resource we have: providing enough space to make a cup of tea or take a shower after a gruelling shift is not a luxury, it’s a basic need.

10. Change the funding model

Focus less on available capital, and more on on-costs, added value or operational savings. As unfashionable as it may seem, there is a lot to learn from the PFI programme and how a new model for public and private partnership can fuel the economy and help save our NHS.

Good luck with the new job – sincerely,

Jaime Bishop

Geraldine Hallifax Joins the Team

Geraldine Joined Fleet in August 2024 as a Senior Architect having spent 7 years with Hawkins Brown on the redevelopment of the Printworks in Canada Water into an innovative mixed-use commercial and cultural destination,  Hallsville Quarter Phase 3: A mixed use retail quarter delivering 620 new homes, shops, restaurants, workspace and public realm as part of the Canning Town Masterplan and the DfMA toolkit, pattern book of flat type products for a housing developer client.

Educated at Nottingham and London Met, Geraldine joins fleet 4 years post part 3 registration bringing a wealth of experience in housing and hospitality to the Fleet team.

(More to follow)

Labour banishes the phrase “levelling up” – Fleet in Grimsby

Labour banishes the phrase “levelling up”

While many have expressed their dislike for the phrase, criticising it as a trite example of the characteristically un-grown up politics of recent times, few can argue that the need to address inequalities in the UK doesn’t persist.  The Health Foundation reports that ‘Nearly 2 in 5 adults (18%) on the lowest incomes report having ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’ health, compared with 2 in 100 (1.7%) on the highest incomes’.  Contrary to what many believe it’s not just a north south divide.  Some of the most stark inequalities can actually be found in and around London and the South-east, with divides more closely aligned to areas beyond the metropolitan fringes where the new government will need to focus regardless of geography.

Yesterday we paid a visit to long ongoing project of ours, the heritage renovation of a pair of buildings within the ‘Kazbah’ dockside collection of the vestiges of Great Grimsby’s , great past.  Grimsby is persistently records in the worst 10% of many poverty and deprivation measures in the UK.

Though the fishing industry has significantly declined the town is still the home fish processing, and a thriving fish market.  Though it isn’t a fishy smell which you first notice in the warren of Victorian Steets annexed from the town proper. The docks boast a number of the most renowned fish smokers in the UK, with some still adhering to the process with protected geographical status, such as Alfred Enderby’s smoked Haddock.  With the long faded grandeur, the Associated British Ports (ABP) imposed isolation and the oaky smell in the air, it’s an incredibly atmospheric place, and increasing attracts film crews.

One of the buildings we have been working on, starting in the pandemic and finishing in the wake of the cost of living crisis, is the Grade II listed Peterson’s smoke house.  With all 10 of the cowls which enable the chimneys (‘ouses) to draw smoke, now lovingly restored, it will not be long before the building is smoking again.  Our project and other ambitious ventures, like spectacular proposals to re-open the derelict ice factory as a venue and arts centre, the growth of north see wind, and plans to reopen the marina to the docks, will have an impact though, unfortunately, the amazing new stadium for the Mariners has been shelved.  The disconnect of the docks from the town is an ongoing issue which needs to be challenged.  Grimsby is not alone, after all Liverpool is only just awakening to the potential to address the river with Everton leading the way.

We paid a visit to Alfred Enderbys, as we always do, to catch up with Patrick Salmon (Yes!) and update him on the project.  We also try to pick up some of his amazing smoked haddock and salmon to sneak back on the train.  We served up the salmon on blinis to the office and the brewery, Five Points, who share the building with us.  Enderby’s salmon really isn’t comparable to anything you will find in a supermarket and we urge you to pay them a visit, yes you can buy online, but you also get to explore the Kazbah.  While new businesses are sprouting in this triangle of land which time ignored the more people who know about it, and pay a visit, the greater the momentum will be for it to regain its role in the greater prosperity of the town.

Quite a challenge for returning MP, Melanie Onn, and her landslide of colleagues, just don’t call it levelling up.

Fleet Team : Benedict Spry, Kai Xin Tan, Richard Henson, Jaime Bishop

Project Team : Bernie Bone of BB Heritage Studio, QED Structures, SWECO, YOU&ME

Thanks to project sponsors:

Historic England

Architectural Heritage Fund

Nation Lottery Heritage Fund

North East Lincolnshire Council

Associated British Ports

‘Common Senses’ Fortis Magazine Article

Jaime Bishop of Health Spaces and Fleet, is a regular contributor to Fortis Magazine, known for his insightful and thought-provoking pieces on a range of contemporary issues. His expertise and eloquent writing style have garnered him a loyal readership who appreciate his in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. In the latest issue of Fortis Magazine, Jaime delves into a critical topic in his article titled “Common Senses.” This piece is particularly significant as it examines the often-overlooked sensory overload that both staff and patients endure in NHS hospitals. By highlighting this pressing issue, Jaime not only brings attention to the chaotic and overwhelming environments within healthcare settings but also sparks a broader conversation about the need for systemic improvements to enhance the well-being of those within the NHS.

In “Common Senses,” Jaime Bishop explores the unnecessarily riotous assault on the senses that is prevalent in NHS hospitals. He articulates how the constant barrage of noises, bright lights, and overwhelming stimuli create a stressful and disorienting experience for both patients and staff. This sensory overload can lead to increased anxiety, hindered recovery, and overall dissatisfaction within the hospital environment. By shedding light on these issues, Jaime’s article serves as a call to action for healthcare administrators and policymakers to consider more thoughtful and patient-centered design solutions. His compelling narrative not only underscores the urgent need for change but also offers practical suggestions to mitigate the sensory challenges faced in NHS hospitals, ultimately advocating for a more humane and supportive healthcare system.

Architects for Health host European Health Design Congress with Salus

The 2024 European Healthcare Design Congress, organized by SALUS Global Knowledge Exchange in collaboration with Architects for Health, was hailed as the best-ever event of its kind. Held from June 10-12 at the Royal College of Physicians in London, the congress built on the strengths of previous years to deliver a fascinating, challenging, and gripping experience. Despite some last-minute changes due to purdah, the event featured numerous highlights that captivated the attendees. Fleet Architects’ director, Jaime Bishop, was honored to chair Session 17, which featured an impressive presentation on the North Zealand Hospital by Alfonso Miguel Caballero of Herzog & de Meuron, showcasing an acute hospital design that combined serious healthcare architecture with beauty and care for patients and staff (Salus Global) (Salus).

Session 17 also included insightful contributions from Moritz Spellenberg and Deirdre Foley Woods, who discussed the intricate brief development for their work with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. This session underscored the importance of a robust brief and its adherence in successful healthcare design projects. The session’s impact was further enhanced by the forensic analysis of problematic PFI projects by Paul Yeomans and Mungo Smith, which served as a cautionary tale for clients. The congress opened with the theme of “Natural Intelligence” and included a stark contrast between Professor Shafi Ahmed’s futuristic vision and Mariana Svirchuk’s humbling account of work in Ukraine, reminding participants of the complex human elements in healthcare (Healthcare Portal).

The congress concluded with the highly anticipated European Healthcare Design Awards ceremony. Jaime Bishop, who served on the judging panel for the sub-25k sqm category, highlighted the strength of the shortlisted projects. The Catkin Centre by Cullinan Studio and the Oak Cancer Treatment Center by BDP were notable mentions, but the top prize was awarded to Kaunitz Yeung for the Yutjuwala Djiwar Aged Care project, praised for its sensitive and generous response to a unique brief. The ceremony also honored John Cooper with the Susan Francis Design Champion Award, recognizing his significant contributions to healthcare design. The event concluded on a high note, leaving attendees inspired and looking forward to next year’s congress (Salus Global) (Salus).

Clinician Led Hybrid Theatre Design at Coventry

The Health Spaces team, led by Jaime Bishop of Fleet Architects, has developed a clinically informed hybrid theatre design for the University Hospital site in Coventry. This innovative project is the result of a rigorous user engagement process, ensuring that the design meets the specific needs of the medical professionals who will use it. The hybrid theatre combines traditional surgical facilities with advanced imaging capabilities, allowing for a seamless integration of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. This design not only enhances the hospital’s operational efficiency but also improves patient outcomes by enabling more precise and less invasive treatments.

A key aspect of the design process was the intensive user engagement facilitated by the Health Spaces team. This included live 3D physical modelling and 3D printing, which allowed the clinical staff to interact with the design in a tangible way. These methods provided invaluable feedback, enabling the architects to refine the layout and functionality of the hybrid theatre in real-time. By involving the end-users throughout the design process, the team ensured that the final product would be highly functional and tailored to the specific workflows and requirements of the medical staff.

The new hybrid theatre is set to secure the long-term future of the University Hospital site in Coventry as a major trauma center. Its state-of-the-art facilities will support a wide range of procedures, from complex surgeries to minimally invasive interventions, thus enhancing the hospital’s capability to handle critical cases efficiently. This development underscores the commitment of Fleet Architects and Health Spaces to creating cutting-edge healthcare environments that respond to the evolving needs of modern medicine. The project stands as a testament to the benefits of collaborative design and the importance of incorporating user feedback in developing healthcare infrastructure.

Cannock Community Diagnostics Opens Doors

The Cannock Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), designed by Fleet Architects in collaboration with Health Spaces and the NHS Trust clinical team, exemplifies an expertly efficient and functional layout. This small yet highly effective facility was developed with a keen focus on optimizing space and workflow, ensuring that it meets the clinical needs without compromising on patient care or staff efficiency. The design process involved close cooperation with the NHS Trust’s clinical team to understand their specific requirements and challenges, resulting in a layout that maximizes the use of available space while facilitating smooth operational processes.

Fleet Architects and Health Spaces worked together to create a diagnostic center that is not only compact but also highly functional. Every aspect of the layout was meticulously planned to support a seamless patient journey from arrival to diagnosis and treatment. The collaborative effort ensured that the facility includes state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and is designed to accommodate the flow of patients efficiently, minimizing wait times and enhancing the overall patient experience. This attention to detail is evident in the thoughtful arrangement of diagnostic rooms, waiting areas, and support spaces, all of which contribute to a highly functional environment.

The success of the Cannock CDC design is a testament to the power of collaboration between architects, healthcare planners, and clinical teams. By working closely with the NHS Trust clinical team, Fleet Architects and Health Spaces were able to tailor the facility to meet specific healthcare needs while maintaining a high standard of efficiency and functionality. The result is a diagnostic center that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of both healthcare providers and patients, demonstrating how strategic design and collaboration can lead to exceptional healthcare facilities.