NA82 : Designing a Psychiatric Hospital in Shahroud with a Therapeutic Space Approach
Thesis > Central Library of Shahrood University > Architectural Engineering and Urbanism > MSc > 2023
Authors:
Farideh Mehrdad [Author], Islam Karami[Supervisor]
Abstarct:   In recent years, attention to the relationship between space and psychology has increased significantly. Especially in psychiatric hospitals, which are environments used for the improvement and psychological treatment of patients, play a crucial role in ensuring their peace and psychological well-being. Therefore, the design of medical facilities, particularly psychiatric hospitals, has become even more important, as these centers utilize specialized medical equipment and adhere to strict hygiene standards. Additionally, many psychological considerations regarding the space complexity are involved due to the emotional states of patients and their companions, further complicating the design process. This becomes particularly significant when considering spaces tailored for psychiatric patients. The lack of sufficient attention to the relationship between space and psychology in existing psychiatric hospitals has made studies in this area essential. This project aims to enhance psychological facilitation and psychiatric care, ultimately improving the tranquility and quality of life of patients. Accordingly, this research has focused on investigating and scrutinizing the factors affecting the architecture and design of both interior and exterior spaces of psychiatric hospitals, with an emphasis on natural spaces and soothing landscapes. Architecture, as a discipline defining spatial and environmental quality, has the potential to generate ideas and implement them in suitable designs by correctly addressing user requirements. This idea pursues goals such as creating proper relationships and spaces to ensure the best care and supervision for patients, establishing a lively atmosphere that contributes to patients' happiness and assists them in achieving inner peace. Moreover, creating a sense of security and confidence in patients can significantly influence their physical and mental recovery. The questions addressed in this thesis include how to transform hospital rooms into spaces where patients can better connect with the outside world and with nurses or companions, how architectural design strategies can effectively improve patient care and supervision, and how to utilize design solutions to enhance patient comfort in hospitals. This research is practical in nature, aiming to collect relevant information from library sources, observing the current status of several neurological and psychiatric hospitals, and conducting interviews with physicians, patients, and their companions. While economic capabilities are undoubtedly crucial, they should not be the determining factor for the facilities and economic dimensions of the project. Undoubtedly, it is better to have no hospital than to have one that may endanger psychiatric patients with inaccurate information or create risks for them. Moreover, technical and economic realism should not be neglected in design and should not be portrayed as an unattainable and imaginary plan. Achieving a balance between a superficial and profit-driven approach and an unattainable idea is a highly challenging task. In this regard, by seeking the assistance of experienced professionals and comparing existing conditions, the focus is on achieving this balance.
Keywords:
#Psychiatric Hospital #Therapeutic Space #Hospital #Environmental Treatment Design #Shahrood Keeping place: Central Library of Shahrood University
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