Last week was the Furnish Our Future event for Safe Space. It was so fulfilling to meet some of the people who run the groups, attend the groups and give their support to this organization. The way I see it, I design for people and aim to use design to uplift their spirits and enhance their lives, so watching them walk through the space and feel that happening really meant the world.
I wrote out design statements for the project overall and for watch room within the space. While I did have a chance to speak to the crowd (with shaky nerves and a couple word scrambles) I just wanted to keep that short and sweet so all of the well-deserved attention with towards the amazing woman who brought the vision for this organization to life. So the statements were a place where I could (more comfortably) articulate my methodology behind the design.
This post has my overall statement and the one for the main entry area. I'll plug in my concept boards now and then add real photos of the finished space after we wrap. There will be a second post where I'll share the statements for each group room.
DESIGNER'S STATEMENT
I have had such a blast working with Tracy on this project that has become near and dear to my heart. This woman and this organization are so full of heart. When it came to housing this person, her vision and all of the services she is providing our community, the physical space needed to be full of heart too.
The pieces I selected for this design adhere to the principles of trauma-informed design. This approach considers the whole person and the totality of their physiological experience in a space and controls the sensory inputs that will be channeling in by way of the furniture, the lighting, and the arrangement of each room.
We are sensory beings. We experience life through what we touch, see, smell, hear and taste. Because of our physical design, we are inextricably linked to our surroundings. Whether we realize it our not, the objects in our homes and the rooms we occupy influence our mood, our rest, our ability to learn and connect to others. It’s how we’ve come to have sayings like “you’re a product of your environment.”
My task was to create a space that speaks to the prefrontal cortex and sends the message that you are safe and you can relax. And this is not just a ‘vacation vibes’ relaxation we are going for, it is a physiological state of being that can be felt in the autonomic nervous system and allows the person to step out of fight or flight.
We hear all the time there is a stigma around mental health and my guess is that you are here because you want to be a part of dismissing that notion. So how do we combat that? I think it’s by aggressively implementing dignity into the service model.
Safe Space has their service model locked in: a strong visionary leader, inclusive and well-rounded groups, a supportive community. The reason we are here tonight is to see that final element join the ranks: the facility itself.
We chose pieces that are durable and can stand up to commercial use. And we made sure that they were beautiful and possessed high aesthetic value. Because we want to send the message that when you come here, you will be treated with respect. The work you are embarking on matters. We want to uplift you, body and soul. Your dignity will be maintained as you endeavor for healing.
When people step into Safe Space and see what we have created exclusively for them, because they are worth it, they will feel it and with that reinforcement of their own intrinsic value, they are already well on their way to healing.
MAIN AREA
If you’ve ever walked into a health or wellness facility, one of the first things you likely did was step up to a reception desk. A window slides open, you look down at a dusty computer and a receptionist. You take your clipboard and sit down in the cold, faded green connecting chairs with the plastic black handles. The hum of the fluorescent lights keeps you company until your name is called.
Not here.
At Safe Space, guests will walk in and feel the uplifting warmth of the bold yellow ceiling. Immediately they know this is not going to be like their other clinical visits. And hopefully, they smile or even chuckle and get curious about the whimsical yellow. And that’s because, yellow promotes feelings of happiness, joy and can stimulate energy levels. Maybe already this experience has gently broken up any trepidation they may have had in taking this step. And maybe now they are poised to welcome additional changes that might lead them into a brighter state of mind.
The matching blue mohair sofas provide a rich sensory experience: a soft touch that is comforting and warm. The two side chairs offer individual seating options in a soft neutral tone that balances out the surrounding colors. Tables are made from wood and stone for a grounding touch.
The side nook will provide a place for conversation or can be a seating option for those who feel more comfortable with a wall behind them where they can survey the room and get a feel for the space they are in. For those with PTSD who often find themselves in a hyper-vigilant state, the security of a wall at the back is a consideration that might make their visit more comfortable.
As the first entry point to the building, it was important to communicate the message of this organization through the selections and the arrangement:
Here, you are respected.
Here, you are treated with dignity.
Here, the work you do matters, and you can succeed.
Here, you will be cared for.
Here, you will be safe.
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