Extensive experience in health, education and law & order sectors has allowed MODE to
actively add to their portfolio, delivering key mental health projects in Australia and New
Zealand.
Currently providing a coordinated design consultancy of Architects, Landscape Architects,
Interior Designers and Graphic Designers, they are currently delivering the Waikeria
Corrections & Treatment Facility, a high security correctional centre and forensic mental
health facility, for the New Zealand Government.
MODE as Principal Designers for the NZ$750 million-dollar landmark project, have created an integrated design that features a dedicated secure mental health treatment precinct, that will provide world class health care and prisoner support, tackling mental health issues in a positive, normalised environment. The design blurs the boundaries between landscape and the built form with a focus on natural light and views into nature. Safe, well observed environments on a human scale have been created that are flexible to the ever-changing needs of the occupants.
The Auckland South Correctional Centre (Kohuora) is a secure facility designed by MODE that is focused on the reduction of reoffending prisoners. With a strong emphasis on rehabilitation programs and community reintegration. The design features strong community hubs including cultural, sporting and administrative spaces, creating normalised environments that are relatable to a township. It was the first Public Private Partnership (PPP) and the first correctional facility in New Zealand designed specifically to reduce recidivism, and a key project for current and future design models.
Strongly committed to creating a framework that delivers positive environments that assist in recovery, MODE incorporate their principles of Manner, Method and Form, to design innovative, adaptable and flexible spaces.
“MODE’s strategic approach is to carefully consider and integrate building, landscape and contextual design to create supportive, positive environments that address key safety and rehabilitative outcomes. We draw from our extensive experience in correctional, health and educational environments to create spaces that cater to the learning and health care needs of the individual. This supports the Department of Corrections NZ vision of creating lasting change and breaking the cycle of re-offending.
These projects bring a level of innovation which strengthens MODE’s position as a leader in correctional, educational and forensic mental health project design and delivers successful outcomes for the community.” - Marc Falconer, Director and Law & Order Leader
This commitment carries over to the health sector where MODE’s well-equipped team have successfully delivered the mental health guidelines for the ACT Department of Health.
These guidelines are intended for use in future Canberra Health Services (CHS) projects for Inpatient Mental Health Facilities across the full range of mental health services. CHS provide Mental Health services in facilities ranging from community transitional facilities to high security facilities across the ACT.
Encompassing all relevant codes and standards including the International Health Facility Guidelines (IHFG), the Australasian Health Facility Guidelines (AHFG) and National Construction Code (NCC), the guidelines exist to inform both the Client and Design team to deliver facilities that meet the CHS requirements and enable mental health services to be provided for the ACT population.
Health Team Leader Dustin Johnston said “The intention is for these guidelines to be used as a ‘roadmap’ to assist in the delivery of facilities within the ACT, including refurbishment or expansion of existing facilities, either standalone or as part of a larger health campus, and new greenfield facilities.”
MODE have also taken this focused approach in their interior delivery of The Kidman Centre, a mental health treatment and research centre for young people.
Located within the Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick, NSW, the facility is dedicated to the understanding, prevention and reduction of mental health problems in those aged five to 25. As such, MODE’s Interior Design team developed an enriched, traditionally non-clinical and welcoming space for the user groups, incorporating biophilic design within the space using blonde timber wall cladding, natural light and colourful fabrics used for soft furnishings and upholstery.
Senior Interior Designer and Project Lead, Heidi Aboushady said it was imperative that the design ‘brought the light in’.
“The existing space was very dark, so we’ve used a lot of light timber to bounce the light around the centre and internal glazed partitions allow light to filter in creating a softened atmosphere. We incorporated wide corridors and exposed ceilings to create a calming and open space for the younger patients when visiting the centre.”
Utilising their extensive knowledge and experience, MODE is well positioned as a design leader in delivering health and law & order projects. Moving forward this allows them to strategically target key projects to bolster their market position and continue to be viewed highly amongst their peers.
