EQUANIMITY

IN-PATIENT CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY

For my final study thesis in graduate school, I wanted to push the boundaries of healthcare building typologies. In the wake of the COVID - 19 pandemic, mental health crises became a consequence. I chose to take on an in-patient children’s mental health facility in Austin, Tx in order to challenge the norms and question how we can use architecture to heal.

2022 - 2023 // SOLO PROJECT IN PROGRESS

The main concept I engaged within my building was the Japanese concept of Engawa. Engawa is a space that cantilevers over a natural area; creating a harmonius connection for its users to the sounds and views of their environment. Each of the three masses cantilevers over the next, with the lowest cantilevering over Lake Travis. Within each mass, I’ve designed an interior courtyard and accesible roof for safe, monitored outdoor time.

1 cross - laminated timber panels

2 mass timber structure

3 concrete foundation

4 concrete piers

I used mass timber, clean whites and pastel colors to create a brightly lit, calming environment. In all areas, I desgined using only anti-ligature components.