Tampere Psyciatric Clinic, C.F. Møller Architects - Healing Architecture in Tampere’s New Psychiatric Clinic - C.F. Møller. Photo: Wellu Hamalainen

9.1.2025

Healing Architecture in Tampere’s New Psychiatric Clinic

An example of future healthcare architecture.

As the need for mental health facilities grows worldwide, architects are turning to innovative solutions to address the challenge. The recently completed Tampere Psychiatric Clinic is a beacon of what modern healthcare design can achieve. To explore this project, we sat down with Architect, Associate Partner and Head of Healthcare Maibritt Dammann and Architect and Partner Mårten Leringe, who led the design team behind this clinic.

Could you start by telling us about the task you faced when designing the Tampere Psychiatric Clinic?

Mårten Leringe: "The challenge was clear from the start. We were asked to design a facility that would not only meet the functional needs of a modern psychiatric clinic but also embody a sense of healing and hope. There is a global increase in the number of people facing psychiatric challenges, and the way we approach the design of these facilities can have a significant impact on the well-being of both patients and staff. We needed to create a space that felt safe, welcoming, and connected to nature."

With the rising awareness of mental health issues, architecture has become a crucial part of the solution. The clinic at Tampere University Hospital is a prime example of "healing architecture"—a term often associated with evidence-based design. This approach, which C.F. Møller Architects champion, places well-being at the forefront, emphasizing how thoughtful design can foster recovery.

Healing Architecture
What exactly is healing architecture, and how did you implement it here?

Maibritt Dammann: "Healing architecture is about more than aesthetics—it's about creating spaces that positively influence recovery. The Tampere Psychiatric Clinic uses natural light, calming materials, and a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor areas to reduce stress and anxiety. Every design choice, from the layout of the wards to the inclusion of private balconies with views of the forest, was made to promote a sense of dignity and respect. It’s about making the architecture work as part of the healing process."

The new clinic includes three U-shaped buildings arranged around a central courtyard. This thoughtful configuration is not only visually appealing but also offers a secure, tranquil space for patients. The design’s modular approach allows for flexibility, accommodating patients at different stages of recovery. It also provides staff with an efficient environment that supports their well-being—a critical factor in delivering quality care.

Mårten Leringe, C.F. Møller Architects - Healing Architecture in Tampere’s New Psychiatric Clinic - C.F. Møller. Photo: C.F. Møller Architects / Hans Christian Jacobsen

How did you balance the needs of patients and staff in this project?

Mårten Leringe: "The well-being of staff is just as important as that of patients. A stress-free environment for staff directly contributes to better care. We created efficient workspaces, strategically placed staff cores, and ensured that staff areas were easily accessible from all parts of the wards. At the same time, the clinic’s design respects patient privacy and dignity—offering single rooms with abundant daylight and views to nature, which are essential for healing."

As we walked through the clinic, it was clear that the landscape played a pivotal role in the design. Situated on the hospital’s outskirts, the clinic is surrounded by pine forests, offering a sense of seclusion without isolation. The connection to nature, which is central to healing architecture, is evident in every aspect of the building's layout.

Integration with the landscape

How did the integration with the landscape shape the final design?

Mårten Leringe: "Nature is one of the most effective healers. The clinic is deliberately placed on the edge of the hospital complex, adjacent to the natural landscape. This allows us to provide direct access to outdoor spaces, from courtyards to private balconies. The use of natural materials like wood softens the clinical environment, and the overall design follows the existing topography, allowing the buildings to blend into the landscape naturally. It creates a sense of continuity between the built and the natural environment, which is calming for patients."

In designing a facility that supports well-being and promotes recovery, the Tampere Psychiatric Clinic embodies a forward-thinking approach to healthcare architecture. By integrating flexible spaces, sustainable practices, and a profound respect for patients and staff, the clinic sets a new standard in mental health care.

Maibritt Dammann, Head of Healthcare, C.F. Møller Architects - Healing Architecture in Tampere’s New Psychiatric Clinic - C.F. Møller. Photo: C.F. Møller Architects / Julian Weyer

Future Healthcare

What do you hope this project will inspire in future healthcare architecture?

Maibritt Dammann: "I hope this clinic demonstrates the importance of designing with empathy—considering the human experience at every step. It’s about creating environments that are not only functional but also beautiful, calming, and respectful. I hope that future projects will continue to break away from cold, institutional designs and embrace spaces that truly support well-being. We need to recognise that architecture directly impacts how people feel, heal, and live."

The Tampere Psychiatric Clinic stands as a testament to this philosophy—a space where healing architecture, sustainability, and respect for human dignity come together in harmony, offering a glimpse of what the future of mental health care could look like.

Tampere Psychiatric Clinic was created in collaboration between C.F. Møller Architects and Finnish ARCO Architecture Company.

Project Description
Tampere Psychiatric Clinic in dezeen

Healing Architecture in Tampere’s New Psychiatric Clinic

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