Residential trends in mental healthcare design

The recent positive shift in society’s attitude towards mental illness is ushering in a new era of residential design trends in modern behavioral healthcare facilities. Gone are the days of bland, sterile institutions expected to warehouse patients indefinitely. Patients are now receiving treatment with the expectation that timely rehabilitation and reintegration into their community is real possibility. As a result, behavioral healthcare facilities are focusing more on creating environments that promote safety and social interaction while providing a sense of normalcy for their residents.

To efficiently complete treatment, patients should feel familiar and comfortable with their surroundings. Mental health facilities should replicate the community that a patient will face following their discharge. This has allowed aesthetics to transition from a preference to a priority in modern behavioral health design. While it is essential for these facilities to prevent self-harm and closely adhere to safety guidelines, humanizing them to promote healing in patients is equally important.

Research has shown that brighter, more optimistic color palettes provide a warm and therapeutic feeling compared to standard neutral options.
Likewise, the use of realistic artwork has proven to reduce anxiety and agitation in patients as well as contribute to a potential decrease in medication costs.
Bringing outdoor elements indoors with wood and other natural finishes can also serve as a positive healing distraction that benefits patients of all ages.

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Residential trends in mental healthcare design