“I remember sitting there staring at you, I thought I could control you, thought I could stop your rotation. I can see a view, the horizon is bright, let dark to light be a metaphor for your life” Irfan AhmadMy project thesis this year aims to revisit the architecture of institutions that facilitate the rehabilitation of patients with mental disabilities.
The nature of this project stems from my personal relationship with my brother, whom was diagnosed with bipolar disorder seven years ago.
Whilst visiting him during his time spent in various institutions my curiosity regarding ‘space’ and it’s effects on people became more focused on how 'space' might act positively or as a hindrance to the wellbeing and recovery of it’s users.
I began asking myself ‘How do we design spaces for people that clearly see things differently?’ and in the design and production of space ‘should order be imposed to facilitate calm in chaotic thinking or should chaos act as insight into the discovery new spatial possibilities?
These discussions are currently being tested within my project ‘The Mind Foundation’ which centers around two sites; an urban cultural centre set in the derelict site of the old Temperance hospital building in Euston, acting as a base for training, short patient stay, holistic therapy and public engagement and is a part of an on going exchange with it’s partner site based in the rural setting of Mount Snowdon, Wales, which offers a retreat for patients breaking the cycle of somatic treatment allowing them respite from the bustle of city life.
This thesis project will run in parallel with a live project based within the universities ASD projects office where I shall be collaborating with the mental health wing of the Hommerton hospital on a new design proposal for the mental health wards these lateral pieces of work will potentially assist in grounding and informing the thesis project as well as acting as a platform for testing.
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