Rethinking Psychiatric Facilities Through universal design: The case of the Strozzi building at the Buffalo psychiatric center

The project is based on the Strozzi building in Buffalo. Based on the research and further analysis of the outdated building, it was determined that an adaptive reuse of the structure was feasible, rather than a total demolition. Two vertically adjacent units can be combined into one. Additionally, a glass enclosed double height dayroom space can be carved out from the newly combined unit and a balcony constructed on the upper level. The patient rooms are resized and realigned to include two windows per room and a multi-purpose, open plan therapy space is provided on the newly created upper level, adjacent to the balcony.