ORTUS is a multi-award-winning conferencing and events venue located in Camberwell, London. Built by Maudsley Charity, ORTUS is operated on a break-even basis for the benefit of the community, the charity’s partners and grantees. It provides a welcoming space for learning and connection for NHS and university staff and students, mental health service users, Maudsley Charity-backed projects and our local community.
The ORTUS Café
The building includes The ORTUS café, serving healthy and delicious food and coffees, which is open to everyone. A key aim is to break down stigma and we welcome everyone from patients and staff, to the local community and those looking for a place to work.
Visit the ORTUS website for more information on facilities, exhibitions, the cafe and directions.
ORTUS Conferencing and Events Space
The building also offers state-of-the art events and conferencing space. It has over 1500 sqm of dedicated, flexible event space with state-of-the-art technology and audio-visual equipment, as well as high-speed Wi-Fi.
The space is suitable for conferences, meetings, training courses, workshops, academic lectures, receptions and a range of other events. There are discounted rates for the public sector and non-for-profit organisations.
The ORTUS vision
From its earliest stages in 2008, the vision for the building was led by consultations with everyone from service users, local people and clinicians to engineers, architects and artists. This process created a sustainable, world-class centre that is sensitive to the needs of the Maudsley Hospital campus, its community and the Camberwell Grove conservation area.
It was guided by the goals of supporting the world-class services of South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust; delivering a state-of-the-art and welcoming place for learning, interaction and engagement; and being environmentally sustainable.
The most up-to-date technology provides a comfortable working environment and flexible learning hub, and the open plan layout with plenty of light and natural materials makes it both attractive and contemporary. Hospital settings can be quite daunting, but this building aims to break down those barriers, welcoming people in to learn something new.
RIBA Award-winning
The ORTUS was also mid-listed for the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize, in the RIBA 2014 – National and London Region Awards. The Royal Institute of British Architects champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture. The RIBA award and the Stirling Prize are considered the pinnacle recognition of architectural excellence.