It’s amazing how much we learn just by listening.
In fact, listening has led to meaningful insights in the way our healthcare planners and architects design behavioral and mental health facilities. This is some of what we’ve learned by listening to patients, caregivers, and families…
I like to sit and look out the window.”
Louis T, PATIENT
Creating connections to nature at various scales, from protected outdoor areas to read, talk, or sit and think; to restorative views to nature; through to expansive outdoor healing gardens all offer essential, uplifting connections to the bigger world.
It’s a beautiful world out there.
Sometimes I want to talk to people, sometimes I don’t. I need to have the option.”
Emilio E, PATIENT
Patients within behavioral and mental health facilities often feel marginalized. We strive to create places that offer patients choice, and empower them through self-actualization.
Choice empowers growth.
I walk through the door and I’m like, how am I supposed to get better in this place?”
Jackie H, PATIENT
We have learned from patients and their families just how important first impressions are in setting expectations for healing. Bringing a loved one to a behavioral or mental health facility is hugely stressful, and when the environment is depressing, it heightens both the patient’s and their family’s anxiety, and casts doubt and dread about the future. We choreograph the arrival experience of patients and their families to be welcoming, comfortable, and to instill a sense of calm and hope.
First impressions last.
We both know it’s not his home, but that doesn’t mean he can’t feel at home while he’s there.”
Joanne C, MOTHER
From patients and their families we have learned how critical design can be to creating a place that feels comfortable, safe, and “homey”—and ultimately instills a sense of hope. That’s why we’re working with furniture, fabric, and finishes manufacturers to give designers the products and palettes they need to de-institutionalize facilities, and create places that are comfortable, calm, and quietly inspiring.
We design products for the healing environment.
My husband is coming home. That’s a good thing. Right?”
Lynne T, SPOUSE
We understand that often there are only two choices in behavioral and mental health: inpatient and outpatient care. More and more, we are working with healthcare organizations to offer more options that bridge the gap—transitional facilities. These include places like housing where patients can “practice” living more independently; urgent-care for patients who feel themselves cascading, but don’t require full-blown inpatient care; and daytime classrooms, especially for children, teens, and young adults, so they don’t fall behind.
Moving beyond either, or.
Sometimes
Brad S, PATIENT
it’s scary here…”
Listening to patients and caregivers has made us acutely aware not only of the fundamental importance of safety and security, but also of the importance of the perception of safety and security. Obvious physical constraints—locked doors, barred windows, big signs—heighten anxiety and can have the opposite of the intended effect. We strive to create a safe environment in ways that are “invisible”—with orienting views, visibility into adjacent spaces, clear lines of sight, and intuitive way-finding.
Security is more than a system. It’s a mindset.
I just want a place to exercise to get rid of this pent up energy.”
Frank A, PATIENT
So many people in today’s society make fitness and wellness a priority, including patients who seek treatment at an inpatient behavioral or mental health facility. We are learning that these patients want more than an outdoor walking path to keep in shape. Instead, they want full gyms with state-of-the-art equipment. And the research reinforces the connection between physical and mental health.
Wellness is more than a walk in the park.
My days are exhausting…”
Caroline K, STAFF MEMBER
Patients need quiet spaces to focus and reflect, and so do staff. The caregiver’s job can be extremely stressful.
For caregivers to be at their best they need to have opportunities for self-care, mediation, and reflection.
Dedicated staff outdoor space, walking paths, clear lines of sight, and spaces for privacy make staff happy.
Happy caregivers help make patients better.
To me, these patients are like a second family.”
Rachel S, THERAPIST
We have learned how important it is to create a sense of community within the facility, and outside, so that patients, caregivers, and patients’ families all work together.
It’s all about connection.
I’d rather be playing with my cars.”
Jimmy A, PATIENT, SIX YEARS OLD
Patients with time between formal treatment sessions need something to do. We design places that enhance a sense of purpose by offering destinations for meaningful activities—whether for fitness, learning, socializing, playing, or community engagement.
Designing a meaningful day.
Are we getting it right?”
Alisha H, ARCHITECT
We are bringing design to science, and science to design. We are currently involved in studies on design for behavioral and mental health facilities linking design strategies to reduced incidences of aggression. For us, it’s about reliably connecting the dots between the places we design, and their benefits to people accurately, with valid data and appropriate analysis. We believe in it. And, as leaders in this emerging innovation, we are investing in it.
Leading the industry in design research.
At HDR, we’re committed to keeping the conversation going. Because together, we can create transformational behavioral and mental health facilities that foster recovery, independence, and a shared sense of community.
Let’s talk. We’re listening.
Explore more about our approach to mental health design.
