Book Description

Therapeutic architecture can be described as the people-centered, evidence-based discipline of the built environment, which aims to identify and support ways of incorporating those spatial elements that interact with people physiologically and psychologically into design. Architecture is an important factor in people's lives when they are well; when they experience ill-health and are less able to cope it becomes even more important. This book explores the design of specialized residential architecture for people with mental health problems. It sets out to show how building design can support medical and health related procedures and practices, leading to better therapeutic outcomes and an enhanced quality of life. Based on almost two decades of research, it aims to understand how architectural design interacts with the therapeutic milieu, the care programs, and actually living in the spaces. The book is divided into two main parts covering theory and research. Part one consists of three chapters: a brief introduction to old practices, current medical psychosocial and architectural thinking, and alternative thinking. Part two explores the research and conclusions derived from fieldwork. This book provides a fascinating insight into the effect that architectural design can have on all of us, but particularly on those with mental health problems. "Dr. Evangelia Chrysikou explains the many aspects of mental health and its relation to the quality of the built environment and I strongly recommend this very enjoyable book to anyone who would like to find out more about this important topic." - Prof. Alan Dilani, Ph.D. , International Academy for Design and Health "This book provides important, evidence-based data that will help to drive the design of new and refurbished psychiatric facilities and will no doubt become a highly-regarded resource for medical planners and architects." - Jo Makosinski , Editor, Building Better Healthcare