VETERANS ADMINISTRATION MEDICAL CENTER NORTHAMPTON INPATIENT PSYCHIATRIC UNIT

Renovation and expansion of a long, narrow 2-story historical building was the design challenge for the inpatient psychiatric unit at the Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC) Northampton. To open up the interior space load-bearing walls were removed and interior structural columns were integrated into the design. This psychiatric unit is designed to meet the specific needs of Veterans and addresses the increased demand for mental health services. This expansion and renovation created a 20 patient acute psychiatric unit to house a mix of men and women. The expansion allows patient rooms to surround an open central area for activities with greater visibility for staff to observe from an adjacent nursing station and administrative area.