SLC VA Medical Center Psychiatric Unit Courtyard

The nursing staff at the George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, took initiative to turn a forgotten outdoor space accessible from the inpatient psychiatric unit into a place of healing for patients.

The project included the planning of a courtyard in the center of a psychiatric unit at the VA facility. The design was developed with nursing staff and is in accordance with the ‘Environment of Care’ physical design standards.  The goal of the design is to create a safe outdoor area for patients and staff that would support individual and small group use.  The space includes a meditative space with labyrinth, active gardens, seating areas and basketball court. The project plan included a project report, marketing graphics, and cost estimate.  The project plan was used to secure funds from the VA to develop the construction drawings and implement the design, which was constructed in 2019 and managed by VA campus facilities personnel.