Students from the University of Brighton’s School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering are presenting pioneering solutions to healthcare and wellbeing challenges as part of the institution’s annual Architecture and Design Show, now open to the public.
The week-long exhibition, hosted at the university’s Moulsecoomb campus, offers an insight into the future of healthcare-focused design through projects developed by undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The event, which runs until 13 June 2025, has transformed Mithras House into a dynamic innovation hub, showcasing final-year projects alongside work from students earlier in their academic journeys.
Several projects on display directly address longstanding challenges within healthcare environments and personal wellbeing, areas of growing interest for the UK’s healthcare construction and medical equipment sectors.
Several projects on display directly address longstanding challenges within healthcare environments and personal wellbeing
Among the standout healthcare-related designs is Epi-Assist, developed by Product Design BSc(Hons) student Morgan White.
This intuitive device reimagines the conventional epinephrine auto-injector (commonly known as an EpiPen), addressing widespread difficulties users experience during life-threatening allergic emergencies.
In the UK, it is estimated that over 80% of users fail to operate EpiPens correctly in critical situations, increasing the risk of fatal outcomes and medication wastage.
Through extensive prototyping and trials with inexperienced users, Epi-Assist incorporates ergonomic design and clear visual guidance to reduce the risk of accidental self-injection and misuse. White commented: “Medical product design often overlooks the realities of how people interact with devices in stressful moments. My work on Epi-Assist demonstrates how thoughtful, user-led testing can significantly improve safety and usability, ultimately empowering individuals during emergencies.”
In the UK, it is estimated that over 80% of users fail to operate EpiPens correctly in critical situations
In the field of healthcare infrastructure, final-year Interior Architecture BA(Hons) student Neve Fairholme is collaborating with the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Service on a redesign of their Redhill Aerodrome base.
The project aims to address the effects of sick building syndrome, commonly caused by poorly performing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, which can negatively impact staff health and wellbeing in high-pressure emergency service environments.
Fairholme said: “My studies at Brighton have shown me that good design is about more than aesthetics — it’s about creating spaces that actively support people’s physical and mental wellbeing. This project gave me the opportunity to explore natural materials and sustainable methods while delivering a meaningful improvement for the people who work in this vital service.”
The institution’s School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering continues to produce graduates well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of the UK healthcare construction and design sectors
Commenting on the exhibition, Glenn Longden-Thurgood, Associate Dean at the School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering, said: “This year’s showcase highlights the extraordinary talent and socially conscious mindset of our students. Whether improving medical devices, creating accessible domestic products, or designing supportive environments for healthcare professionals, our students are delivering real-world solutions with lasting impact.”
The University of Brighton, headquartered in Brighton, East Sussex, is recognised for its applied, industry-focused teaching and research.
The institution’s School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering continues to produce graduates well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of the UK healthcare construction and design sectors.
Top image: the Epi-Assist