Class
Article
College
Caine College of the Arts
Faculty Mentor
Susie Tibbitts
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
This clinic is an in and out patient facility for depression and anxiety and at risk patients. In the design of this clinic two important factors are addressed. First, the safety of the patients staying at the facility. And second, the impact the facility has on patients as an environment. Safety of patients that are at risk for self harm is a major concern for a clinic like this one and although the staff monitors patients consistently taking the risk factors into consideration when designing such a facility is crucial to aiding to the success of the clinic staff in providing a safe place for their patients. Designers have to address every aspect of patients rooms to ensure that no part of the space could be easily used for self harm or could become a hazard for staff. Public spaces that are not as secure as private rooms need to be arranged in a way so that staff have easy access to the whole space in case of an emergency. The facilities overall design also plays a large role in the wellbeing of the occupants. In designing spaces that are used by patients the effect that elements such as lighting, color, texture, and furniture layout and design should all be taken into consideration as to how they will impact the user. As an example color can affect the mood of people in a space. So a therapist would not want a heavy amount of red as this color can act as a stressor. Very dark and drab colors can also have a negative effect. Light soft colors with natural tones are ideal as they encourage calm and relaxation. These two points play a vital role in the success of the clinic as an environment and also aid in the overall success of the practice. Providing a safer surrounding and a space that promotes well being and healing. References: Santos, Maria. “Is Mental Illness on the Rise, or Does It Just Seem That Way?” Verily, 15 Oct. 2015, verilymag.com/2015/10/mental-health-issues-on-the-rise-awareness. FUTURE DIRECTIONS IN DESIGN FOR MENTAL - Hassell.
Location
The South Atrium
Start Date
4-12-2018 1:30 PM
End Date
4-12-2018 2:45 PM
Designing for Mental Health Facilities: Two Major Factors That Promote Occupant Wellbeing
The South Atrium
This clinic is an in and out patient facility for depression and anxiety and at risk patients. In the design of this clinic two important factors are addressed. First, the safety of the patients staying at the facility. And second, the impact the facility has on patients as an environment. Safety of patients that are at risk for self harm is a major concern for a clinic like this one and although the staff monitors patients consistently taking the risk factors into consideration when designing such a facility is crucial to aiding to the success of the clinic staff in providing a safe place for their patients. Designers have to address every aspect of patients rooms to ensure that no part of the space could be easily used for self harm or could become a hazard for staff. Public spaces that are not as secure as private rooms need to be arranged in a way so that staff have easy access to the whole space in case of an emergency. The facilities overall design also plays a large role in the wellbeing of the occupants. In designing spaces that are used by patients the effect that elements such as lighting, color, texture, and furniture layout and design should all be taken into consideration as to how they will impact the user. As an example color can affect the mood of people in a space. So a therapist would not want a heavy amount of red as this color can act as a stressor. Very dark and drab colors can also have a negative effect. Light soft colors with natural tones are ideal as they encourage calm and relaxation. These two points play a vital role in the success of the clinic as an environment and also aid in the overall success of the practice. Providing a safer surrounding and a space that promotes well being and healing. References: Santos, Maria. “Is Mental Illness on the Rise, or Does It Just Seem That Way?” Verily, 15 Oct. 2015, verilymag.com/2015/10/mental-health-issues-on-the-rise-awareness. FUTURE DIRECTIONS IN DESIGN FOR MENTAL - Hassell.