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Redesigning Mental & Behavioral Health Care: A New Model for Clinical & Research Facilities

AIAU24-AAH08R
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1.0 LU|HSW
Course expires on: 10/03/2027
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Description

The Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) Translational Research Building at the University of Utah marks a significant step in addressing the post-pandemic behavioral health crisis. HMHI will be an international hub of collaboration for testing and refining mental health design as well as research, clinical, and policy ideas. The facility will create a new model of translational research that unites experimental, computational, and clinical research under one roof to address national stigma, policy, and scientific challenges. 

In this session, we will explore how behavioral health trends and emerging models of care impact the design of multidisciplinary clinical and research facilities, showing how HMHI’s neuroarchitecture-inspired design promotes interconnectedness and collaboration. We will discuss how the facility helps to rethink the American mental health care system by de-stigmatizing mental health, increasing awareness, and expanding mental health research and clinical services. 

This course was recorded live on November 12, 2024.

A hospital in a valley with mountains in the distance

Learning Objectives

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Explore the design implications of emerging behavioral health care models and strategies to dismantle silos and foster collaboration across domains like AI, computing, public policy, business, and law. 

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Understand how innovative, non-traditional lab and workspace environments can contribute to the holistic well-being of scientists, fostering collaboration among researchers across disciplines. 

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Examine the distinctive design elements and neuroarchitecture principles underlying the HMHI Translational Research Building, setting it apart from conventional research facilities. 

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Learn how biophilic design at HMHI—natural materials, daylight, and views—enhances research and supports the mental well-being of its occupants. 

Presented in partnership with the Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH).

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Instructors
Adeleh Nejati
RA, PhD, LEED AP, WELL AP, EDAC

Adeleh Nejati is a senior associate, a senior healthcare planner, and a researcher with NBBJ in San Francisco, CA. With more than a decade of healthcare project experience, Adeleh brings a strong research and design background supported by research based, analytical problem-solving abilities. Blending her design and research experience, Adeleh takes a holistic approach to creating highly efficient and caring healthcare settings for patients, families, and staff. She has a passion for engaging with key stakeholders, using computational and lean planning tools to build consensus towards informed decision making. 

Stephen Peakes
AIA, LEED AP

Stephen has dedicated his career to translating healthcare organizations’ vision, mission and strategic plans into meaningful spaces and experiences. An expert in the nexus between design and delivery; Stephen strives to help his clients and project teams define value, balancing internal and external factors that can erode team culture, quality and building performance. A versatile and innovative leader with over twenty-five years of design and construction experience, his collaborative approach to team building and communication support innovative exploration through lean processes to ensure decision makers are informed and equipped to make durable decisions. As a Principal with NBBJ's San Francisco office, he reaches across practices and regions to ensure that the latest thought leadership and resources are engaged. 

Mete Sonmez

Mete brings over more than 20 years of diverse professional experience, spanning national and international projects across a range of sectors including science, mixed-use, corporate commercial, higher education, urban design and planning. Mete holds a Master of Architecture from Harvard University Graduate School of Design and a Bachelor of Architecture from Istanbul Technical University. In addition to his professional experience, Mete has served as a lecturer and frequent guest critic at institutions such as Harvard University, Rice University, UC Berkeley, and the University of Houston. He has received numerous awards for his design work, most recently being named to the Architectural Record’s Design Vanguard of 2024. 

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