We were tasked with creating a conventional hall inside an institute for the mentally challenged, with the aim of creating a source of revenue for the institute. The idea was to rent the space out for special occasions and events, generating funds that could be used to take care of the occupants. Our design approach had to balance the need to keep the space economically feasible with the requirement of creating a space that people would desire to rent for special occasions.
We approached the challenge by playing off the existing walls and creating interventions with lighting, flooring, and planters. The result was a space that felt completely different and refined, with an elegant and sophisticated ambiance that would appeal to a wide range of clients looking to rent a space.
Our task here was to create an environment in the open area in front of a mental institute that would promote patient engagement with the space. The area had been underutilized, and we saw the potential to create an environment that would be therapeutic and engaging for the patients. Our focus was on creating a space that would make the inhabitants feel less trapped within the facility and more connected with the environment around them.
To achieve this, we included a range of therapeutic elements and activities that would cater to the varying needs of the patients. The design includes private and public spaces, allowing patients to interact with each other or to find much-needed alone time. We made sure that the landscape could accommodate all these needs so that the patients could feel comfortable and at ease in their surroundings.
We also placed a strong emphasis on patients engaging with nature, as research has shown that being in nature can have a positive impact on mental health – and so we’ve created spaces where patients could engage with the natural environment.