Medical Construction & Design

Embracing Empathy: A Spectrum of Pediatric Behavioral Health Design Strategies for a Continuum of Care ( ~ 1 hour ) 

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As more purpose-built spaces for mental and behavioral health treatment emerge – whether in one building offering a continuum of care services or in a standalone facility – pediatric environments offer inspiration and insight for behavioral health design best practices. Family engagement, therapeutic spaces, tech-enabled amenities, and specific support for acute mental health crises are factors driving design decisions and gaining recognition for their positive impact. This presentation will explore three pediatric behavioral health spaces and the design decisions that are making a difference.

Designing for Dignity – Lessons From Building the Cordilleras Behavioral Health Campus ( ~ 1 hour ) 

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This session will share how Skanska, in partnership with San Mateo County and CannonDesign, delivered the new Cordilleras Behavioral Health campus. The project consists of four small-scale recovery centers plus a co‑housing building, for which Skanska had to integrate trauma‑informed design, anti‑ligature and commissioning requirements, biophilic strategies, noise and operations mitigation adjacent to an active facility, and solutions for low‑carbon/net‑zero performance. We’ll unpack how early, collaborative decision‑making prevents costly rework and ensures safety. Finally, we’ll discuss the sustainability strategies implemented to pursue low‑energy/net‑zero targets without compromising safety, security, or durability. Attendees will leave with replicable checklists, coordination tips, and lessons learned they can apply to behavioral health projects of all sizes.

Where Safety Meets Reality: Behavioral “Safer” Rooms Beyond Dedicated Units ( ~ 1 hour ) 

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Healthcare facilities are increasingly caring for patients with behavioral health needs outside of dedicated psychiatric units. As demand rises and resources remain limited, organizations are implementing behavioral “safer” rooms in emergency departments, medical-surgical units, outpatient settings, and public areas. This session explores emerging trends and practical strategies for integrating behavioral safety into non-behavioral environments. Participants will learn how the built environment can support operational protocols, reduce risk of self-harm and staff injury, and improve patient dignity during crisis. The presentation will address safety risk assessments, the gray areas within codes and guidelines, and the challenges of balancing behavioral safety, vandal resistance, and ADA requirements. Real-world planning considerations—including location, room elements, and MEP implications—will be discussed, along with the regulatory, operational, and patient experience impacts of implementing safer rooms across the continuum of care.