An LJMU Lecturer at the Liverpool School of Art and Design, Dr Robert Macdonald, has won the Design in Mental Health Network Award (DIMHN) for his contribution to local mental health services.

His contribution has been recognised for its benefits to both patients and staff working in mental health environments.

His involvement as a Design Champion and Service User for Mersey Care NHS Trust, and success in researching innovative hospital building schemes is commended highly in the field, in addition to his key role in researching model homes for dementia patients – which showcase how housing adaptation can support patients and inform design strategies in future homes.

This research can help people with dementia live independently in their own homes for extended periods, improve their quality of life and ensure their environment doesn’t cause further difficulties in their everyday life.

Dr Macdonald has a long-standing commitment to healthy environments for those who struggle with mental health – having a personal belief that creative collaboration, cooperation and user participation should be at the centre of making good health architecture.

Dr Macdonald has been Reader in Architecture at LJMU since 1989. His research into therapeutic environments is vital and will undoubtedly positively affect those in need of his work. We wish to congratulate him on his findings and his well-deserved DIMHN Award.