Jul 2 2007
The Stockholm-based International Academy for Design and Health has selected Canadian Tye Farrow to be their first Architect Award recipient. This award honors an individual who "makes a significant contribution to health and humanity through the medium of architecture and design."
In granting this award, an independent panel of respected researchers and design professionals recognized Farrow's ability to realize the Academy's highest aspirations for creating hospitals that enhance "health supportive environmental performance."
Alan Dilani, Ph.D., director of The Academy, has singled out Tye Farrow for achieving buildings that "tick all the boxes, in terms of civic pride, sustainability, functionality and creating a genuinely inspiring space. Tye Farrow re-imagines what a hospital could and should be."
Tye Farrow's approach builds on clients' highest aspirations by delivering functional buildings that also address emotional and spiritual needs. "Ideas about uplifting the human spirit have traditionally been overshadowed by narrowly-focused efforts to increase efficiencies and treat sickness," says Farrow. "Equally important, however, is to understand the relationship between the quality of hospital design and the overall wellness of patients and staff."
"The modern concept of disease is no longer narrowly pathogenic; instead, every disease is seen as having complex origins and effects," said Dilani. "This means that health promotion must be an integral part of facility design. The Academy is recognizing people and projects that demonstrate how the built environment can achieve this critical dimension."
The award ceremony was held on June 30, 2007 in Glasgow, Scotland at the Academy's Fifth World Congress and Exhibition.