Over the past few decades, an increasing amount of research has highlighted the links between the built environment and mental health. On one hand, the built environment is often seen as a significant source of mental distress, while on the other, thoughtfully designed spaces and places destined for mental health care are central for positive patient outcomes.
With the annual cost to society in England of £100 billion, it is important that architects approach the design of spaces for mental health care with necessary theoretical and empirical research on hand. Beyond privacy, natural light, noise reduction, space and better communication, what other key characteristics should architects incorporate in their designs? Taking the needs of both staff and patients as a starting point, this panel discussion created in partnership with the Museum of Architecture will look at how architects can design therapeutic environments that minimise restraint, uphold patient dignity and aid recovery.
Speakers include:
- Dr Evangelia Chrysikou, senior research and Marie Curie fellow at Space Syntax Lab, the Bartlett, UCL
- Ruairi Reeves, associate director at Medical Architecture
- Wendy de Silva, mental health lead at IBI Group
- Chair: Joe Forster, president of Design in Mental Health Network
A partnership between The Building Centre and Museum of Architecture.
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