Resylum

Fig: 1 - Asylums spaces are stereotyped and often neglected (Credits-Jon Butterworth)

THE STATE OF ASYLUMS

Asylums and psychiatric hospitals have developed throughout history. The revolution in these spaces was majorly caused due to the innovations in terms of mental health, availability of technology and scientific development. Considered majorly as a treatment centre, these spaces observed changes that were focused on care, which left the design considerations for the users unchanged for years. 

Introduction to therapeutic practices and other alternative methods that aid in recovery, the recent years observed the limitations of the asylum structure. The inclusion of these practices has challenged and changed how we address and treat mental health. There are multiple ways as to how mere institutionalisation and admission is not a solution. 

In order to break the stigma held towards mental health for decades, there is a need to address how the architecture of Asylums facilitates healing and how rethinking these spaces can change the perception people have towards mental health. 

It is a need to address how a change in architecture/spaces of asylums can aid in recovery and healing.

QUESTIONS

Building on the above premise, write an essay looking at realistic answers that society and architects should look at when they are reviewing and discussing the possibilities and changes we can make in the design and perception towards asylums. 

The piece should investigate answers to the following questions; based on real-life experiences or interviews or reasoning built through research:

• What according to you is the role of mental health care spaces in the life of people? 
• What are the factors that are holding people back from addressing mental issues, and what causes this reaction?
• Understanding the stigma and fear regarding mental health, what factors can the architecture of mental health institutions change to mitigate this fear?
• What is the major reason you think Asylums have been marginalised and not looked upon as healing spaces as opposed to other therapeutic structures? 
• What are the key factors in the architectural aspect of Asylums that are aiding this stigma regarding mental health?
• How and what tangible design outcomes can we create in order to address this issue directly? 
• If you're given a chance to reimagine asylums, what are the key fundamental changes you'll make? And why?
• What is the future of psychiatric hospitals and how will their redesign have an impact on the recovery of patients?

DELIVERABLES

Participants shall deliver an essay of about 1000 - 1500 words and less than 3 images, in a cohesive piece that answers the above questions and arguments based on them. The images need to be ensured that they are copyright-free or you own their rights.