The Sanctuary

East Lothian Community Hospital

The Sanctuary is a non-denominational reflection space at new-build East Lothian Community Hospital. It was designed by Lindsay Perth in collaboration with local designer-makers and was commissioned and funded by NHS Lothian Charity as part of its Tonic Arts programme for NHS Lothian.

The Sanctuary brief was entirely new; the old hospital which stood on the site having no such space of retreat. The designer was tasked with taking a patient-centred approach to design and to thoughtfully create a supportive space in which patients, staff and visitors could seek solace in times of emotional intensity. The Sanctuary had to resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds, harness the meditative qualities of the unique landscape of East Lothian and elicit emotional healing in the people who would use it.

Community consultation was central throughout the process. A commissioning group of patients, staff, carers and arts managers appointed Lindsay and considered all concept and final proposals for approval. Lindsay worked closely with the hospital community, chaplains and end of life care practitioners to develop an intimate and personal appreciation of the range of experiences the Sanctuary needed to support. Local engagement sessions included consultation discussions and making sessions with family groups and the local Men’s Shed project.

Lindsay approached the commission with the aim of creating a space “steeped in calm, kindness and warmth, where people can take time out to regroup, contemplate, pray, talk, grieve and heal”. Key elements in the design concept were working with sustainable, natural materials, curved lines and a colour palette and imagery which evoke our natural environment. A light-filled interior room and outdoor enclosed courtyard, the two spaces were designed to be in conversation with each other, with repeated imagery creating a calm reciprocity.

The interior space has three seating solutions, offering rest, comfort, privacy and dignity. The wooden ‘wave’ seating for all ages is a nod to the gently rolling coastal landscape. At each end a cubbyhole invites children to retreat. The hand-made ceramic clouds above are finished in natural glazes in the hues of native bird eggs. Each tile is unique, some impressed gently with shapes of insects and birds, developed during ceramic making engagement workshops with locals.

In the centre of the room is a table and two stools which use leftover malt, grain and juniper berries from the brewing and distilling industry, giving them a beautiful organic appearance.

The large two-seater was shaped using cross laminate timber. Its high sides and back allow people a sense of refuge and the deep blue roof shelters the sitter. It faces the courtyard path, leading directly to the external seating; identical in design and surrounded by birch and swaying planting. Here the metal roofs protect the sitter in wet weather, echoing gently with the sound of rain. The single seat rotates 360, allowing people to turn away for private contemplation.

Delivered with and for the local community, The Sanctuary is a peaceful and harmonious space where the possibility of internal healing in challenging moments is made tangible.

Feedback

I was really pleased to have been able to use The Sanctuary space at the new East Lothian Community Hospital when my husband was a recent patient. My husband has very advanced dementia and when I was feeling very sad or distressed it was such a calm and comforting space to sit in.”

Anne Bisset, patient family

The Sanctuary space is so beautifully relaxing. It is away from the clinical areas and gives so many an opportunity to sit in a detached space to reflect or grieve or spend quality time with family. Staff and visitors alike have commented so positively… Lindsay has done an excellent job in creating the environment to ensure calm and quiet but not sombre.”

Miriam Anderson, Programme Manager

The Sanctuary provides a peaceful environment to all that seek it. The simplicity of the room and garden radiate a tranquility people are often looking for. We’ve never previously had a designated room for reflection and this is a fantastic space to offer bereaved families. It also offers a quiet moment to staff. It is good to have an opportunity to go off the ward; to gather your thoughts after a difficult shift.”

Marjo VanWessel, Clinical Lead Advisor, Medicine

I feel strongly about how empathetic design can support those who are in need of reflection and calm. I wanted to create a space that is empathetic to those going through emotional and often extremely challenging times, whether it’s their own health or supporting family and friends. It is imperative to have a place to go to at these times, that helps one process everything and experience a sense of calm. My approach has been to build a space that provides this by using hand-made craft, natural materials and considered colour and pattern; ensuring light, nature and the elements are the
focus.”

Lindsay Perth, designer