Following in depth secondary research on the values of calming architecture and rehabilitative environments, site visits were made to establishments that assist in these reintegration processes, in order to make personal observations. Three sites were chosen, with similarities and differences in order to compare and analyse; Start, a creative arts and wellbeing centre, focusing on the reintegration aspect of my research, Palmwood Court, a mental health care home, which being a long term facility focuses more on rehabilitation and finally Maggie’s, a cancer support centre, which although not directly linked to mental health, focuses on giving people hope and making them still feel part of society.
START in Salford, aims to use creativity by running programmes in art, media studies, woodwork and gardening to help people with mental health issues gain confidence and skills.
In the majority of the studios natural light floods in, however, in the linking corridor spaces and breakout areas natural light is lacking. The studios on the north side of the centre also benefit from calming views of the garden, which is tended for by users, and distracts from the busy adjacent road. The centre has ample open social space, which is excellent for intentions of social integration, however, there is a lack of intimate space for retreat and rest.
The building is composed of various large studio spaces with high ceilings, which evoke a sense of freedom, essential for people who may feel anxious and claustrophobic around one another. However, due to their vast size they feel cold and lack a sense of comfort, a point June Wilcock (2015, pers. comm., 15 December) addressed in interview, “due to the expense of heating we do find that these spaces are often cold and at times we have split sessions into the smaller workshop spaces”. Perhaps further insulation needs to be considered, however, likewise aesthetics of the space could be improved. Zumphor (2003, p. 21) refers to architecture as “a bodily mass, a membrane, a fabric, a kind of covering all around” which envelops us and creates sensual effect. The studios lack these aesthetics and could reconsider material compatibility. For example, furniture lacks coherency and feels clinical, with awkward heights in relation to tables and use of uncomfortable materials. In the woodwork studio no chairs are even present and Wilcock (2015, pers. comm., 15 December) stated “high raised stools would make this space a lot more comfortable for users”. These issues may lead to users simply passing through and not wanting to spend time in these spaces.
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Fig. 23 - Photographs from site visit
MAGGIE'S
In contrast Nottingham’s Maggie’s Centre incorporates social and private space harmoniously, with a central kitchen space acting as the principal core of the building with subsequent rooms for privacy branching off. This layout invites people to congregate and socialise in this central area, instead of simply passing though, which assists in bringing people together to discuss their issues and creates a therapeutic environment. Nevertheless, in comparison to Start, this central space fails to accommodate large groups, as once crowded it forces the surplus out into the smaller private spaces.
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Fig. 24 - Photographs from site visit
The centre also works well at creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort by having a domestic and homely feel. On entering you are welcomed by a volunteer, who is based in the kitchen as opposed to sat behind a reception desk, which makes the space feel deinstitutionalised. Lights floods into this central space from the terrace which outlets into the trees, providing views of the surroundings. The bright and vibrant interior illustrates what is lacking at Start, and gives a sense of optimism in the dreary bleak surroundings.
The centre also works well at creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort by having a domestic and homely feel. On entering you are welcomed by a volunteer, who is based in the kitchen as opposed to sat behind a reception desk, which makes the space feel deinstitutionalised. Lights floods into this central space from the terrace which outlets into the trees, providing views of the surroundings. The bright and vibrant interior illustrates what is lacking at Start, and gives a sense of optimism in the dreary bleak surroundings.
PALMWOOD COURT
Palmwood court differs slightly in that it is residential and provides long-term care. In contrast to Maggie’s, it is an uninviting space substantially lacking calming architecture. The four areas of residence have a collective communal space, however, a key worker outlined that it is never utilised, which comes as no surprise due to the lack of natural light and stench owing to being attached to a resident’s kitchen. This area would be more beneficially located centrally to all residents away from independent sites, allowing for sanctuary away from dwellings. Nevertheless, the four separate housing blocks work well at encouraging independent living, whilst also representing communities by housing 6 members per block. The individual lounge areas work well with plenty of natural light flowing in through the access to the outdoor space.
Although independent living is encouraged, the site would benefit from being brought together with a “central hub”, as in Maggie’s scheme. Likewise, the aesthetics of the Maggie’s centre would also be very beneficial in giving Palmwood court some character and atmosphere as the bleak and monotonous colours create a worn out and lethargic feel.
Sketches of Palmwood Court, due to photographs being forbidden