Where Anatomy Meets Innovation
Acting as the Anatomy Centre for Sunderland University, this thoughtfully designed Cadaveric Facility was built to inspire the next generation of medics. Fit with bright, flexible and open learning spaces, the facility aims to nurture curiosity and enhance anatomical knowledge, all while respectfully preserving donor dignity.
Overview
The Cadaveric Facility at Sunderland University is a multi-million-pound anatomy centre, established to help train the next generation of medical professionals. This facility is licenced by the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) to carry out Anatomical Examination (code C of the Human Tissue Act). Accommodating up to 85-90 students across three teaching sectors, the anatomy centre was designed by SPACE Architects to function as both separate learning environments and interconnected study spaces. The design incorporates many considerate features, such as dedicated prosection, embalming, and body store facilities. SPACE worked closely with the School of Medicine to create a unique design brief, generate a bespoke design response, and achieve full planning approval. The result of this carefully considered project was a brand-new centre, providing a wealth of medical and healthcare students, from several different degree programmes, with the space to improve their depth perception, spatial orientation, and visualisation of body structures below the skin, in a monitored and respectful educational environment.
- Year 2021
- Location Sunderland
- Client Sunderland University
- Project Sectors Education
Design Approach
During the design process, several technical elements were considered. One key inclusion was a discrete and secure loading bay area for the entrance / exit of donors to the facility, preserving dignity for the deceased. Other spaces were created with similar consideration, including appropriate preparation rooms for embalming and dissection, with category 2 laboratory classification. Integrating flooring with coving, adequate and adjustable ventilation (20-50 air changes/hour, minimum of 20), as well as temperature control, these spaces are ideal for donor preparation and anatomy training. Likewise, SPACE consciously created storage areas for donors, with temperature-monitored fridges, and flexible teaching spaces for combined learning and demonstration. Flooring that enables steam cleaning, and acoustic ceiling tiles which reduce noise are just a few of the many intuitive features that have been carefully included to enrich the learning experience. Bright open architecture, beyond the secure preparation rooms, and easy access routes between teaching areas enhance the accessible and thoughtful nature of the facility.
Result
The Cadaveric Facility now acts as a significant educational space for medical, bio-science students at Sunderland University’s School of Medicine. The building enhances learning, by enabling students to appreciate the complex and intricate inner workings of the human body, as well as the normal anatomical variability which naturally occurs between individuals. The academy affords training for other students within the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing, and benefits many of the region’s existing surgeons and surgical trainees, providing vital facilities. With funding from Sir James Knott, and the Garfield Weston Foundation, the centre is testament to combined innovation, demonstrating a deep care and consideration for the human lifecycle. Cadaveric anatomy is often students first encounter with death, so provides educators the unique opportunity to inform students about the biological aspects of death, in a calm and considerate way. All elements of this build have been designed with donor dignity in mind, serving as an accessible and inspiring centre for essential anatomical education, built upon the pillars of respect, reflection, one shared vision.
“The project provides a great future for the teaching of anatomy and further enhances the School’s facilities. The new building supports a range of dedicated, state-of-the-art learning environments for staff and students, influencing the education of future generations of doctors, nurses and other key healthcare workers.”
Andrew Bumfrey, SPACE Architects
People
A space that deeply considers all student and staff requirementsThe Cadarveric Facility at Sunderland University is a rare example of a building designed with both life and death in mind. The design process reflected this, with attention paid to the sequencing of rooms within the facility (reception of donor, preparation, teaching) to maintain donor dignity, making sure that no human material is left unattended while in transit or in an unsecure location. Additionally, a Quiet Room was created for students and staff, offering a calming reception area for those who wish to take time out from the anatomy laboratory, and a restful and tranquil space for contemplation and counselling.
Planet
Constantly moving airflows promoting healthy ventilationGiven the nature of the project, the Cadaveric Facility required efficient ventilation and temperature controls in several of the specialist rooms. In teaching spaces, ventilation reached 20 air changes/hour minimum. Airflow is essential in anatomy centres such as the Cadaveric Facility at Sunderland University, as cadavers are typically preserved using chemicals, such as formaldehyde, which can be harmful to the respiratory system after prolonged exposure. Adequate ventilation and temperature control can also help to prevent unpleasant odors, prior to the embalmment process. From a sustainability point of view, passive ventilation systems rely on natural air movement and thermal buoyancy for temperature controls, instead of simply relying on mechanical systems. The indoor air quality of the facility remains high, yet energy usage is minimised.
Place
Generating a bridge between education and innovationSunderland University’s School of Medicine is home to a vast range of medical students, spanning across programmes such as paramedicine, physiotherapy, nursing and others. Accommodating to these their unique students, the facilities also offer resources that are of great benefit to surgeons and surgical trainees across the region, enabling them to host cadaveric CPD (Continued Professional Development) courses. The provision of these CPDs for surgeons means that they can enhance the regional reputation of the facility, while providing training and research opportunities for surgical colleagues. Acting as Sunderland’s primary Cadaveric Facility, this bespoke project presents a site for gold standard anatomy education in the North East.
Credits
- Design Team Andrew Bumfrey
- Photography Andrew Hepinstall
