KEEPING MENTAL HEALTH IN MIND

Words By Nicole Turner, Interior Designer at Disinji

Mental health has been a hot topic in Malta in recent years, with growing awareness and advocacy efforts by various organisations. In 2018, the Maltese government also launched a national mental health strategy, which aims to improve mental health services, reduce stigma, and promote mental well-being for all citizens. The COVID19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of mental health in Malta, with increased demand for mental health support services and initiatives.

In the past 20 years, mental health awareness has also evolved in the field of architecture, with a growing understanding of how the built environment can impact mental health and one’s wellbeing. In recent years, architects and designers have increasingly recognised such an impact. The focus has shifted towards creating spaces that promote emotional and mental wellness through features like natural light, greenery, calming colours and textures, and reduced noise pollution. There has also been a greater emphasis on designing spaces for individuals such as; mental health conditions, people within the spectrum and dementia, with a focus on creating accessible and supportive environments. We feel that this impact has begun to develop further within the local industry but strives to increase such awareness and emphasis.

Furthermore, the pandemic has led to a shift in people’s relationship with the outdoors, as nature became a support system for mental wellbeing during lockdowns. This has caused many to value outdoor spaces more than before, highlighting the need for designing spaces that are usable and accessible to all. The impact of the environment on emotions and behaviour has led to the emergence of fields such as Neuroarchitecture and Space Psychology. Designers and architects can make a significant impact on the user by considering emotions, healing, and happiness when designing spaces such as schools that encourage more creativity or working environments that make one feel fresh and focused.

The psychology of the colour theory has a long history and is recognised as an essential factor in architecture and interior design, as colours evoke spontaneous emotional reactions that can affect our mood. Therefore, exploring the impact of colour in all contexts is crucial. Ultimately, designing spaces with the well-being and happiness of users in mind can lead to more positive experiences and a better quality of life.

Here, we build upon our previous discussions about incorporating green spaces in urban areas, sustainable interior design, and the influence of visual perception and colour in interior spaces on both the environment and human beings. Our focus will expand to explore the effects of spaces on mental health and individuals across the spectrum.

The recognition of the colour theory’s significance in architecture and interior design is due to its long-standing history. Colours evoke emotional reactions that have an impact on our mood. Therefore, it’s important to investigate the influence of colour in all contexts.

Neuroarchitecture and space psychology study the impact of architecture not only on the technical parameters of legalisation, ergonomics and sustainability, but subjective to the human brain and behaviour, aiming to create environments that promote emotion, well-being, and friendliness for all users.

Mental health and individuals within the spectrum were previously avoided topics, due to cultural beliefs, social stigma, and a lack of awareness and resources, but there has been a shift towards more open discussion. Designers and architects have a unique ability to create spaces that not only aesthetically and follow function but also influence occupants’ mental health through an understanding of how the environment can impact moods, needs, and behaviours.

How many times have you visited places that make you feel anxious, depressed, confused or on the contrary, overwhelmed and/or excited? With advancements in neuroscience, it’s becoming easier to understand how shapes, forms, colours and scales can influence human perception.

At our interior design studio, we promote spaces that encourage a positive mental health and wellbeing whilst promoting diversity. Our ambition is to design environments that are calming, supportive, and uplifting, with a focus on natural light, soothing colours, and comfortable textures. We believe that the built environment can have a powerful impact on mental health, and we are committed to creating spaces that foster a sense of safety, security, and peace. Our approach is inclusive and accessible, with a focus on designing spaces that are welcoming and supportive for all individuals, regardless of their needs or abilities. Overall, our goal is to create environments that promote healing, rejuvenation, and a sense of joy and wellbeing.

How can spaces affect our mental health?

Numerous studies have shown that interior design can have a significant impact on mental health by affecting mood, stress levels, and overall well-being. According to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, “exposure to nature and natural elements, such as daylight and plants, has been shown to enhance mood, decrease stress, and promote restoration.” (Joye, van den Berg, & Tack, 2019). The use of colours and lighting in interior design can also have an impact on mental health, with warm colours and natural lighting promoting relaxation and calmness, while bright and artificial lighting can cause stress and agitation. Overall, interior design plays a crucial role in creating spaces that promote positive mental health outcomes.

Design, art and architecture open up endless possibilities through innovation. It also leaves a mark on what has been acknowledged by incorporating thoughtful and intentional design elements, such as:

1. Lighting: Proper lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, improve productivity and mood, and reduce eye strain. Natural lighting is preferred, but if it’s not possible, then artificial lighting that mimics natural light can be used.

2. Colours: Affect our emotions and mood. For example, warm colours like red, orange, and yellow can create an energetic and lively environment, while cool colours like blue, green, and purple can create a calm and peaceful environment.

3. Furniture: Ergonomic furniture is essential to create a comfortable and supportive workspace. It can help to reduce physical discomfort and strain, which can lead to increased productivity and better overall well-being.

4. Indoor plants: Plants not only add aesthetic value to a space, but they also have numerous health benefits. They improve air quality, reduce stress levels, and increase productivity.

5. Accessibility: Designing spaces that are accessible to all individuals, regardless of physical ability, is crucial. Thoughtful design elements such as wheelchair ramps, wider doorways, and adjustable height desks can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment.

Incorporating these elements into interior design can have a significant impact on mental and physical wellbeing, creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also promote health and wellness.

An architect and professor Jan Golembiewski, based in Sydney and founder of architectural practise Psychological Design, has shown that the neurological mechanism on the quality of external - environmentalstimuli impacts the symptoms of the severely mentally ill. The firm offers specialists in architecture that require a greater understanding of its inhabitants, including educational design, aged care, residential design and more. By designing positive environments for these individuals, one can prevent unwanted behaviours. He is developing different design languages, enhancing spaces for those with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress, schizophrenia, autism and alzheimer’s. As Golembiewski states, “Design and architecture can create spaces that support and promote mental health and well-being.”

Furthermore, it’s not just the colour that helps the wellbeing. The type of materials aligning with the five senses (taste, hearing, sight, smell and touch) that are being used in the space will also affect the individual.

Neuroscientists have discovered that thoughtful design choices, from flooring to lighting, can lead to a better way of living for those with mental health issues or on the autism spectrum. By incorporating inclusive and accessible design principles, individuals with disabilities, both visible and invisible, can benefit from spaces designed for their needs. Whether it’s ramps or elevators for wheelchair users or reducing overstimulation for those with sensory processing disorders, designing for diversity and accessibility is crucial for creating spaces that support and promote well-being.

Some of these benefits include:

- Connecting the user to the space.

- Safe space to grow and develop.

- Calming environments that assist in concentration and focus and decrease stress and anxiety.

-Enhance social interaction without risk.