Lunch + Learn - Beyond the institution - Human-centred approaches to mental health design

Mental health facilities are evolving rapidly, moving beyond institutional models to embrace human-centred, culturally safe, and recovery-focused environments. In this webinar, ARCH will share insights into current and innovative practices shaping mental health design.

Drawing on patient’s lived experiences and clinical collaboration, our team will showcase how projects such as the Royal Darwin Hospital Mental Health Facilities, the Gold Coast University Hospital Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit, and the Fraser Coast Acute Mental Health Unit are redefining care environments. These projects illustrate how biophilic design, sensory spaces, flexible therapeutic settings, and culturally responsive approaches can improve patient outcomes, support staff wellbeing, and strengthen community connection.

Led by ARCH’s national health specialists, including Ron Bridgefoot, David Stoneley, Kelly Lau and Sean Logue, this session will explore practical lessons and design strategies that translate into better experiences for patients, staff, and families. Attendees will gain perspectives on the integration of natural landscapes,…