The research study has discussed the design principles of mental health care facilities according to theoretical and applied study. The theoretical study has concluded to identify the architectural and qualitative features of both interior and outdoor spaces. In addition, it has concluded to considering a set of design principles for designing mental health care facilities specially patients' rooms, entrances, paths, along with spaces for physical therapy and rehabilitation. According to these guidelines, the researcher prepared a set of personal observation sheets which paved the way to the applied section, since the state quo of mental health care hospitals (Abbasia, Khanka and Helwan) has been monitored and documented.
The researcher depends on data gathering from original sources in addition to filling personal observation sheets along with the survey in the applied study. The survey was designed to include three questions related to the personal data of user groups; in order to be classified according to their profession (psychiatrists, nursing staff, and psychological and social specialists) in addition to the affiliated hospital. The survey also included twenty-six questions with specific endings.
Based on the identified design principles, the study has concluded the following: the mental health care facilities should be designed to be convenient with the context and centered in the large open areas. Moreover, the interior spaces have to be similar to home spaces, and movement paths to be straight and perpendicular. Moreover, providing natural lighting for patients' rooms and provide spaces for physical therapy in a separate building from the therapeutic ones and the use of floral elements with different colors and designs. Finally, providing single rooms with private bathrooms is a must to provide the highest level of privacy. |
