MISA is a significant and innovative model for care of the elderly, combining prevention and clinical care, research, and teaching in a single location, the ethos of which is summed up in the concept of ‘Aging Successfully’.
This 15,000sqm building occupies an extremely congested, complicated site in the southeast corner of the St. James’s Hospital complex. The primary seven-storey block, containing the in-patient accommodation, is arranged on a north-south axis ensuring sunlight penetration to the bedrooms in the morning and afternoons, whilst also engaging with the public domain along the southern Linear Park. Day Areas with protected balconies benefit from south facing views over the park and the Dublin cityscape beyond. The majority of bedrooms are single rooms facing east or west with magnificent views over the city and towards the mountains.
Age focused outpatient clinics, including a memory clinic, stroke clinic, neurovascular clinic, a falls unit and therapy facilities are located on the ground and first floors. These larger floors are arranged around a central landscaped courtyard which also serves to animate the double-height concourse and waiting areas associated with the ambulatory care clinics. A ‘Creative Life Centre’ occupies a pivotal position in the centre of the complex with a workshop, office and exhibition area animating the entry experience and reflecting the importance of creativity amongst the elderly.
The design took particular cognisance of the specific needs of older people, from designing for dementia through signage, daylighting, views, and finishes, to tailoring the floor finishes in areas where patients are statistically more prone to trips and falls. MISA is the winner of the RIAI Best Health Building Award 2017 and is Ireland’s first dedicated centre for successful aging and is the largest of its kind in Europe.
LocationSt. James's Hospital, Dublin
ClientSt. James's Hospital & BAM
ServiceFull Architectural Design from Planning Stage to completion.
Area15,000sqm
Value€32,500,000
StatusCompleted
PerformanceBREEAM Excellent
