Nature-based environments as a therapeutic innovation in psychiatric care
Short description
The purpose of the research project is to explore various perspectives on psychiatric care environments. Nybygg Psykisk Helse Kristiansand in Norway is an example within psychiatric hospital construction with an innovative and nature-based design. The focus will be on what is considered supportive treatment environments based on input from a project group consisting of leaders, architects, landscape architects, and psychologists. Exploring the perspectives of patients and staff provides deeper insights that can be used when planning and constructing new healthcare facilities for individuals with mental health issues or renovating existing institutions. The therapeutic use of nature and incorporating nature into building design has been a central focus for the project group in this study."
Background
Therapeutic Environments (The Building in Nature - Nature in the Building) Newbuild Mental Health Kristiansand in Norway is a project in nature-based health building innovation. The building will be the one in Norway that best facilitates future-oriented treatment options in mental health for adults and young people. In the conceptual work, the Department of Mental Health has highlighted the use of nature and the environment as an integrated part of treatment. The starting point is the best possible knowledge of population trends, disease development, and medical professional development during planning and construction. The new building is scheduled to be ready for patients in April 2023 and will contain a total of 80 bedrooms with 80 day treatment places.
Aim
The overall purpose of this project is to explore the meaning of a supportive environment and building design in mental health facilities from the perspective of the hospital facilities planning group, psychologists, psychiatrists, patients, and staff. Additionally, it aims to understand how the ideas of a supportive environment are conceptualized and materialized when constructing a new mental health facility.
Study 1:
Exploring perspectives and views on the impact of the care environment in a new psychiatric hospital building, with a specific focus on what is considered supportive during planning and construction.
Study 2:
Illuminating the experiences of psychologists and psychiatrists regarding the impact of the built environment when providing psychotherapy. A case study.
Study 3:
Exploring the significance of the psychotherapeutic treatment environment for patients' sense of security and well-being.
Study 4:
To explore the importance of the psychotherapeutic treatment environment for the staff's experience of the therapeutic work.