Proudly supporting research into maternal infrastructure in Newcastle upon Tyne

P+HS Architects are proud to be supporting a new research initiative investigating the maternal infrastructure gap in Newcastle upon Tyne, led by Alanis Burgess, Architectural Designer at P+HS and Researcher at Northumbria University.

The research comes at a pivotal moment for Newcastle, following the city’s recent commitment to becoming a Marmot City, placing health equity and social wellbeing at the core of its long-term development strategy.

A central focus of the research is the widespread lack of safe, accessible and dignified spaces for breastfeeding and infant feeding. Studies show that many women stop breastfeeding earlier than they would like due to insufficient facilities, a lack of privacy, and discomfort when feeding in public. These barriers have direct implications for maternal and infant health, social participation and confidence in navigating the city.

Through participatory research with local parents and caregivers, Alanis will map breastfeeding experiences across Newcastle, identifying barriers and co-designing solutions with families and key stakeholders.

P+HS views this initiative as an opportunity to deepen our understanding of inclusive and human-centred design, strengthening how we deliver healthcare, community and residential projects in the North East and beyond. By embedding emerging research into our internal learning culture, we aim to enhance our ability to design for diverse needs and lived experiences, reflecting the practice’s wider commitment to research-led, socially responsive architecture.

The project will progress throughout 2026, with further updates excitedly shared as the work evolves.