Knoxville Center for Behavioral Medicine
The Challenge
Behavioral health patients require focused, deliberate treatment in a safe and positive environment. Often, acute-care hospitals struggle with overcrowding due to the lack of focused mental health facilities. Patients are typically observed until they can be transferred to another facility to get the care they need, and that cycle can last for days. The Knoxville Center for Behavioral Medicine offered a solution to that problem for East Tennesseans with a dedicated space for behavioral health services — the first of its kind in over 50 years.
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Client
Joint Venture: National Healthcare Corporation, Community Health Systems, and University of Tennessee Medical Center
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Location
Knoxville, Tennessee
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Size
55,000 square feet
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Distinguishing Features
- First facility in East Tennessee in over 50 years
- Trauma-informed design
- Intentionally captures natural light to create a calming environment
The Design Solution
The Knoxville Center for Behavioral Medicine includes 64 beds in semi-private patient rooms, including a 16-bed geriatric psychiatric unit, 24-bed adult psychiatric unit, and 24-bed adult addictive disorders unit.
Two outdoor activity yards were included for each unit, and special attention was given to natural light, furniture, wall coverings, and fixtures that evoked a sense of calm. In particular, a skylight placed above the centralized nurse station was a deliberate choice to allow for abundant natural light. Public spaces off the nurse station receive light from that same source.
TMP worked with the client to understand how a patient moves through the facility at various access points to determine various levels of security needs. The nurse station was positioned to view corridors and social spaces for safety, and we intentionally created spaces for patients that can be observed by the staff.
Additionally, spaces throughout the facility were designed with flexibility in mind. The Knoxville Center for Behavioral Health has inpatient, outpatient, and intensive outpatient services, which require different needs. The units are designed with a similar bone structure, but have specific elements dedicated to their purpose. This gives staff flexibility and doesn’t constrain patient capacity for one unit.
The Design Impact
Creating a safe, secure, and positive environment for behavioral health patients is paramount to their success. The Knoxville Center for Behavioral Medicine provides a much-needed resource and mental health care to residents of East Tennessee.
