WESTERN STATE HOSPITAL
Lakewood, WA
Merit Award | Unbuilt
architecture+
The State of Washington is establishing a Center for Forensic Excellence, a new psychiatric hospital setting a national standard for forensic care. This 350-bed facility addresses waitlist backlogs, aiming to enhance patient mental competence for trial. Its design fosters a safer environment, reducing violence through evidence-based techniques like maximized daylight, outdoor access, and patient choice.
Embracing a recovery-oriented model, the center aims to shorten stays and attract top-tier professionals through bolstered medical education and inviting staff amenities. The “A Walk in the Park” design connects living units to therapeutic zones via glazed bridges, symbolizing the patient’s recovery journey. Defying traditional institutional architecture, the facility promotes healing and engagement, striving for LEED Gold certification and net-zero energy capability.
“Interesting concept of plan for this type of facility; the design provides security, but people can also move around freely and have independence”
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Client: Washington State Department of Social & Health Sciences
Design Team & Consultants: Sara Wengert, AIA, Submitting Architect; Francis Murdock Pitts, FAIA, Principal; Stephen Kervin, AIA, Project Manager; Hiroki Sawai, AIA Project Architect; Angela Doane, IIDA, CID, Lead Interior Designer; Charna Reid, Interior Designer; HOK Architects, Partner Firm; Groundswell Studio, Landscape Architecture; KPFF Consulting Engineers, Civil and Structural Engineering; AEI Affiliated Engineers, MEP Engineering; Construction Manager: Clark Construction
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© architecture+/HOK Architects