CONCLUSION:
Evidently there are substantial issues surrounding Mental Health Care in Jersey with dramatic figures suggesting that it is a very prominent problem within the community and more support is needed for those suffering, as well as professionals providing care. Interviews with specialists have proved that they are struggling with large influxes of mentally unstable people, who lack support in the community. Research into the nature of mental illness has uncovered that definitions and explanations for mental disorders continue to be debated and therefore shed light on the continuing issues of stigma surrounding mental disorder.
Through exploring the history of psychiatric healthcare architecture, it is evident that the question of calming architecture posing healing artefacts has been present for some time, with designs having developed drastically from historic inhumane institutions. Fundamentally, though not entirely, elements of calming architecture have been found to enhance rehabilitative space in order to further support individuals reintegrating back into society. Socialisation has been identified as a key aspect of integration, of which architecture can play a huge role, by creating spaces that bring people together to congregate in communal space. Similarly, external connections have been established to be as important as those internally, with links to the exterior community being identified as paramount in the process of reintegration, such as the positioning of buildings and fluidity of space with external surrounding. Architectural elements such as integration of nature and light have also been found to aid in this external connectivity, with light furthermore being supported to possess healing properties. Likewise, domestic architecture has been highlighted as being comprised of calming factors of visual and physical warmth and comfort, encouraging psychological healing at an innermost level. Domestic factors have also been acknowledged in creating a sense of shelter and security and could similarly promote and hasten thoughts of independent living.
Nevertheless, due to the sensitive nature of information, the majority of research undertaken has been secondary and first hand observations. Perhaps for future more in-depth studies, research would hone in on specific case studies and focus on the patients’ opinions and experiences. Yet, it is evident that architecture plays a substantial role in providing nourishment, support and balance during processes of recovery of mental health patients and needs to be considered carefully in Jersey's future building projects.