MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY

This was our final project for CTD 325: Designing for Special Populations. We were instructed to design an entire floor of Bryce Hospital, a mental health facility in Tuscaloosa, AL.

The project was split up into two main parts. The first part was the research phase. We gathered information about anything from neurodiverse design and wayfinding to artwork therapy and connection with the outdoors. This research helped reinforce the information we had learned in previous courses by highlighting the connection between design solutions and human function. Next, we studied the stringent building codes of a mental health facility. This forced us to think beyond just the clearance, occupancy, and egress codes. We also had to consider the multi-faceted codes of suicide prevention and patient security.

The second part of the project was the design process. We developed a floor plan, a furniture plan, and a reflected ceiling plan. After that, I selected furniture and finishes that illustrated my concept of nature. I prioritized “bringing the outdoors in” while making all of my selections. From my research, I learned the calming impact natural materials can have on patients as it makes them feel more connected with the outside. As I made all of my selections, I recorded them in my spec sheets, finish schedule, and lighting schedule. Lastly, I created renderings of the group therapy room and a patient bedroom in SketchUp.

Please click VIEW to open the following:

Full Project Booklet & Colored Renderings