The neuroscience shows that environments which encourage movement and are connected to nature can regulate emotions. Montage Health and NBBJ , both of Los Angeles, collaborated to design a new facility for behavioral health that incorporates neuroscience principles. The Montage Health Ohana Center, which is scheduled to open in 2023 and provide inpatient, outpatient, and community-based care, will be guided by this vision.
The Ohana Center is a place of restoration and connection for patients and staff. The Ohana Center includes an outdoor amphitheater that can be used for music and group classes, vegetable gardens that contain immune-boosting lavender, rosemary and other herbs, and private patios where staff can recharge. The 55,600 square-foot project includes cloisters and terraces as well as patios and terraces. These spaces range from being public to private.
The design emphasizes the flowing water running through the site while spacious spaces offer patients a wide view of nature. There are also smaller “refuge” spaces for privacy and quiet reflection.
The Ohana Center utilizes sustainable materials such as cross-laminated wood (CLT), which is a prefabricated engineered type of wood. CLT is low-carbon footprint, it can be assembled offsite, reducing costs, and it has the natural healing properties that wood provides.