Perception of Mental Illness: Exploring Spatial Impacts on Well-Being
Abstract (300 words maximum)
People with bipolar disorder often switch between depressive and manic states. This illustrates how the built environment can either enhance or undermine emotional experiences. However, the psychological impact of thresholds and transitions on mental health is rarely acknowledged in design. This thesis asks: How can architectural thresholds and spatial sequencing within a museum in Harris County, TX, bridge the gap between spaces of abuse and spaces of care for individuals with bipolar disorder? The proposal transforms the museum from a neutral display area into a spatial framework for an immersive experience. The study investigates how light, materiality, sound, and spatial rhythm might represent psychological shifts between safety and vulnerability (Herman, 1992), drawing on trauma theory and therapeutic environmental design. To prototype a museum of experience and care, the project employs a qualitative and phenomenological methodology to examine case studies of trauma-informed and therapeutic architecture, spatial mapping of thresholds, and sensory sequencing within the Texas Medical Center sector. The final design uses thresholds as therapeutic mediators to help visitors move from confusion toward peacefulness by translating psychological variability into spatial rhythm. The museum suggests an architecture of care based on empathy and awareness by coordinating changes in light, size, and sound. In the end, this study makes the case that architectural sequencing may serve as a therapeutic language by redefining architecture as an active participant in mental health advocacy and bridging the gap between environments that cause damage and those that promote healing.
Keywords: Bipolar Disorder, spaces of abuse, spaces of care, architectural thresholds, spatial sequence
*Disclaimer: AI used for the enhancement and structure of my written work
Use of AI Disclaimer
yes
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CACM – Architecture
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Robin Puttock
Perception of Mental Illness: Exploring Spatial Impacts on Well-Being
People with bipolar disorder often switch between depressive and manic states. This illustrates how the built environment can either enhance or undermine emotional experiences. However, the psychological impact of thresholds and transitions on mental health is rarely acknowledged in design. This thesis asks: How can architectural thresholds and spatial sequencing within a museum in Harris County, TX, bridge the gap between spaces of abuse and spaces of care for individuals with bipolar disorder? The proposal transforms the museum from a neutral display area into a spatial framework for an immersive experience. The study investigates how light, materiality, sound, and spatial rhythm might represent psychological shifts between safety and vulnerability (Herman, 1992), drawing on trauma theory and therapeutic environmental design. To prototype a museum of experience and care, the project employs a qualitative and phenomenological methodology to examine case studies of trauma-informed and therapeutic architecture, spatial mapping of thresholds, and sensory sequencing within the Texas Medical Center sector. The final design uses thresholds as therapeutic mediators to help visitors move from confusion toward peacefulness by translating psychological variability into spatial rhythm. The museum suggests an architecture of care based on empathy and awareness by coordinating changes in light, size, and sound. In the end, this study makes the case that architectural sequencing may serve as a therapeutic language by redefining architecture as an active participant in mental health advocacy and bridging the gap between environments that cause damage and those that promote healing.
Keywords: Bipolar Disorder, spaces of abuse, spaces of care, architectural thresholds, spatial sequence
*Disclaimer: AI used for the enhancement and structure of my written work