Brighton’s Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, known locally as the “Alex”, has won this year’s Prime Minister’s Better Building Award, beating 20 other projects to the top spot (for details visit www.betterpublicbuildings.gov.uk).
The hospital is themed as “a giant ark full of animals, with each colour-coded level representing a different habitat”. The light-filled central atrium provides a bright, welcoming reception, while the 100 patient beds are arranged in single, two-bedded and four-bedded units – each with a sea view. Furniture was specially designed for children, while family accommodation on the top level includes en suite bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms and terraces.
The Award (see HEJ – October for an article on this year’s two shortlisted healthcare projects – the other being Lymington New Forest Hospital) is sponsored jointly by CABE and the Office of Government Commerce (OGC). OGC chief executive Nigel Smith said: “The Award recognises high quality design, but also effective delivery, including efficient procurement, good teamwork, sound financial management, whole-life value for money, and sustainability. The Alex, delivered on time and to budget, has excelled on all fronts.”
