Benjamin G. Jacob Jr.

AR200-0/AR200-0F/AR200-0S A51
Architectural Design 9: Thesis Research Writing

Proposed Topic #2

ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF THE PHYSICAL SPACE DESIGNS OF PSYCHIATRIC

HEALTH FACILITIES

Background of the Study:

Mental health conditions are one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. It makes up one-
third of the world's population. Given the growing number of individuals worldwide who are
experiencing mental health concerns and difficulties, nations like the Philippines are still trying to find a
solution to the problem of providing proper mental health care services. Some of the problems found in
providing effective mental health services in the Philippines included the lack of funding, a shortage of
skilled professionals and mental health workers, a lack of a framework for a mental health system, a
mental health law that hasn't been fully implemented, and a lack of teamwork and integration. In addition
to the problems and concerns already highlighted, a significant problem is the lack of facilities, for which
the standards of an appropriate and effective design were disregarded.

The built environments of mental health facilities can help in addressing the patients' basic
requirements for protection and safety, self-esteem, and the development of interpersonal and social
skills. It can also promote the interpersonal connections that are essential to treatment. According to
Conellan (2013), design elements including light, sound, communal areas, and art spaces have an impact
on mental health. A mental health facility's architecture and design might provide a therapeutic
atmosphere, curing patients just by the influence of its surroundings.

In order to understand the proper planning of these facilities, this research attempts to reevaluate
the effects of the physical spaces of the current psychiatric facilities in the Philippines. The spatial
features of these facilities—such as room colors, forms, and lighting—as well as their location and
surrounds will be assessed, and after that, the standards and recommendations for a well-planned mental
health facility will be considered in the design.