MENTAL

ASYLUM
INTRODUCTION
 Figure from Google

“ To not have your suffering recognised by is an almost un-

bearable form of violence” Figure from Google

The society in India obstructs people who want
to see a psychiatrist, especially adolescents.
A nation’s progress is not just the physical wellbeing at its citizens, but how their psycho- based on the lack of mental health support in
logical health is also looked after. People with behavioural problems need more help from the country, this study will introduce a mental
the country. Sadly, our country is lacking in this area. In a country of 1.34 billion people asylum and health institute project for adoles-
nearly 22,63,821 are mentally challenged. cents that puts more attention on specific design
About 80 percent of the country’s psychiatric beds are in the country’s 37 colonial-era factors, such as daylighting, color, and green
“mental hospitals” draughty, overcrowded, poorly managed constructions, deplorably suit- roofs. These aspects provide help for the recov-
ed to their anachronistic name. ery process by supporting healing according to
Through the 70s and 80s, these institutions earned press coverage that grew into an indig- many psychological studies. This psychiatric
enous, sub-genre of gothic horror. Among the recurring elements were patients being tied institute will be specialized for teenagers 10-19
up or consigned to dank isolation cells, having little to no access to healthy food and fresh because the early intervention at this critical
water. There is a high prevalence of psychiatric illness among prisoners lodged in Indian period has the possibility for the potential for
jails and it isnt surprising that more than half of them had history of substance abuse. making a lifelong difference. by providing a sup-
According to a study published in the latest edition of the India Journal of Psychiatry, the portive structure to the psychiatric profession
psychiatric morbidity among pioneers is substantially higher than in the general popula- the goal is to reduce the incidence of mental
tion. Most inmates have several defined problem areas with substance use, depression and disorders in adulthood making a significant dif-
anxiety disorders most prevalent. ference in the lives of the next generation
The site for this study is located in Hyderabadc-
ity because of its lack of mental hospitals.
The goal of the architecture is to provide a wel-
coming location for a mental health facility that
aids in reducing the stigma of seeing a psychia-
trist inHyderabad..
The creation of a high-quality place for mental
health stresses that mental health is an essential
part of a teenager’s overall health and that the
emotional wellbeing of them is as important as
their physical health.
 NEED FOR
STUDY
“Depression is not a sign of weakness”
The spectrum of mental and emo-
tional health is broad, as are the
causes and the variables within
ones environment, relationships,
and day to day activities.

However, ones physical environ-

ment can significantly affect how
they sleep, work and interact with
others- especially on college cam-
puses where many do all those
things in the same spaces.

In order to find applicable and

Figure from Google
It’s important to take mental health seriously and unfortu-
nately there is not a lot of mental health support provided
in hyderabad. And in terms of availability of beds, as little
as 56,600 public psychiatric beds exist for a 150 crore pop-
ulation.
Moreover, the vast majority of psychiatrists & psycholo-
gists are in metros and big cities, there is a huge imbalance
in terms of training infrastructure among states them-
selves and now that COVID-19 has also accelerated a
transition to telemedicine, Can telemedicine really be the
big answer to those thousands of mental health patients in
the non- metro towns? Can telepsychiatry bridge the gap
between mental health experts and patients? Sure, but to
what extent? How effective could the treatment really be
as opposed to the treatment being in person?
specific effects of architecture on
mental health, this design will fo-
cus on depression and anxiety.
Thereby, this design will introduce
a mental asylum with a mental
health Institute that puts more at-
tention on specific design factors,
such as daylighting, color,& green
roofs as these aspects provide help
for the recovery process by sup-
porting healing according to the
psychological studios.
The goal is to find out if there are relatively
low-cost, non- infrastructural changes that
can be made to study and lounge spaces to
minimize the environmental triggers for
depression and anxiety and induce activi-
ties and habits that promote an emotionally
healthy lifestyel and reduce the incidence of
mental health disorders in adulthood mak-
ing a significant difference in the lives of the
next generation.
“The measure of mental
health is the disposition to
find good everywhere.”
 The questions that will be addressed in this design both
about architectural design and mental health:

1. Can the layout and design of a space affect how people act and feel
within that space?

2. What types of spacial and personal interactions are emotionally and

mentally healthy?

3. What are some environmental triggers for depression and anxiety?

4. How can a room’s layout and overall atmosphere be altered to provide

a mentally healthy space?

5. What are the purposes of various spaces on a campus, and are they
designed for such?

The purpose of this is to answer the questions above in order to under-

stand the connections between architecture and mental health and use
that understanding to design the “optimal space” for a member to rest or
work (while maintaining their mental health).
Figure from Google
 Usually, the emotional disorders appear during
adolescence, often including depression and/or
anxiety. Teenagers with emotional disorders
may also feel irritable, frustrated, or angry. Ac-
cording
to WHO, symptoms can interfere with healthy
mental growth and are characterized by rapid
and
unpredictable mood changes and an emotional
eruption. Younger teens may also have physical
symptoms caused by psychological distress such
as headache, or nausea. The following are some
statics facts regarding Adolescent’s Mental
Health:
1- One in six people is between 10 and 19 years
old.
2- Mental health disorders represent 16% of the
global burden of disease and injury among peo-
ple
between 10 and 19 years old.
3- Half of mental health disorders begin to ap-

FACTS
pear at 14 years of age, but most of these cases
are
undetected and untreated.
4- Globally, depression is one of the leading
causes of disease and disability among adoles-

ABOUT
cents.
5- Suicide is the third leading cause of death in
people between 15 and 19 years old.
6- The consequences of adequacy of adoles-
cents’ mental health disorders extend into adult-

MENTAL
hood,
causing both physical and mental health to be
impaired and reducing the chances of enjoying
a satisfactory adult life.
These facts stress the necessity and the impor-

HEALTH
tance of taking care of teenagers’ mental health
wellbeing.
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY
WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGY?
The study of the mind, emotions, and
behavior, psychology was considered a
branch of philosophy before becoming an
independent discipline in the mid-1800s.
Psychology students examine the cogni-
tive and social factors that influence peo-
ple’s actions and reactions.
WHAT IS PSYCHIATRY?
Psychiatry is a branch of medicine focused on
diagnosing and treating mental health disor-
ders. The term literally means the “medical
treatment of the soul.” Like psychologists, psy-
chiatrists use psychotherapy to help clients.
However, they also understand how biology
factors into a person’s mental health and how
to treat mental illness with medication.
According to the National Alliance of
Mental Illness (NAMI), “approximately 1
in 5 youth aged 13–18 (21.4%) experienc-
es a serious mental illness in a given year
that substantially interferes with or limits
one or more major life activities.” School
work is defined as a major life activity.
Added, the names for these disorders get
thrown around so casually that they lose
their true meaning. Because of stigmas
like these, students with a mental illness
may feel uncomfortable discussing their
disorder with teachers and peers. For this
reason, it is important for teachers and
students to have an accurate understand-
ing of mental illness.
Certain stigmas are connected to certain
illnesses. Those with depression are told to
“pull themselves together” or “stop being
dramatic.” People wrongly believe having
bipolar disorder entails suddenly shifting
from content to outraged while having ab-
solutely no control over one’s emotions.
There are a wide range of mental illnesses
that affect everything from mood, think-
ing, and behavior to actions and bodily
functions. Not every mental illness has an
understandable “because.” An upsetting
event does not have to occur to spark up
depression
LITERATURE
REVIEW
 HISTORY OF MENTAL
ASYLUMS
“It doesnt have to take over your life, it doesnt have to define
you as a person, it’s just important that you ask for help. Its
not a sign of weakness.
England built the first mental asylum in
London in the thirteenth century, and oth-
ers soon followed in other western coun-
tries. Despite the merciful intent of the
founders of these hospitals, the conditions
were horrible. “Violent patients were exhib-
ited to the public for a fee and the harm-
less ones were sent onto the streets to beg.
Beatings, chains, and other physical means
of restraint were common” (A Long Way, 1
976). In the eighteenth century, through the
efforts Benjamin Franklin, the first hospital
m America opened to mentally ill patients
in Philadelphia. However, the first hospital
to deal with mental patients exclusively was
built m Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1 773.
Regardless of the good intentions of the pi-
oneers in the field to help these people, the
conditions were still less than ideal. Located
away from the patient’s home, the hospital
was simply, less than adequate, custodi-
al care (A Long Way, 1 976). Many years
passed before a concern for the treatment
of illness was an Issue. In 1 946, President
Truman signed Public Law 487 to help treat
the mentally ill, not just give them shelter
out of sight of society.
“The purpose of this act was the improve-
ment of the mental health of the people of
the United States through the conducting
of research ... relating to the cause, diag-
nosis, and treatment of psychiatric disor-
ders... and fostering such research activities
... training personnel... and assisting states
... “ (A Long Way, 1 976). This was the be-
ginning of the deinstitutionalization move-
ment that would remove many patients
over the next forty years from institutions.
“A movement began at this time to expand
the services beyond the state institutions -
to move the services to the community and
to take away the shame that went with “be-
ing crazy” (A Long Way, 1 976). With this
lack of understanding and fear that has sur-
rounded mental illness, society maintained
its image of the past understaffed and over-
crowded hospitals. Even though today their
is still a certain stigma attached to a mental
hospital, they do serve a necessary function
in the community. Many patients cannot
function in a free community and commu-
nity based services do not meet their needs.
OUTBOARD BATHROOM

INBOARD BATHROOM
THE OUTBOARD BATHROOM

THE NESTED BATHROOM

THE INBOARD BATHROOM

PRECEDENT
STUDIES
 General information:

Location: Nuuk, Greenland

Architects: White Arkitekter

Size: 3300.0089 Sqm

Concept:
Concept

In order to provide a space that impacts the mood and the

well-being of mentally ill patients, the architects tend to create
a healing design environment for its visitors. Nuuk psychiatric
Clinic highlights seven pillars for healing architecture, which are:
promote dignity, encourage normalcy, create a free and open at-
1. NUUK PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC mosphere, promote social interaction and promote patients’ in-
dependence, offer views to the outside and free access to the out-
door environment, and balance the demands for safe and healing
health-care environment.
 PROJECT SITE:
What distinguishes the site of the project is that it is beautifully situated facing the bay which offers spectacular views of the
islands in the fiord25 . Because of the rich of nature location, the White Arkitekter design team chose to emphasize the beau-
ty of Greenland’s natural landscape and create a tranquil atmosphere with a strong connection to the hospital’s surround-
ings.

To take full advantage of the extraordinary site and to enhance the healing aspect of the project, the building provides large
windows that assert the beauty and clarity of the landscape.

Besides accentuating the breathtaking views of the landscape, the large windows also allow an abundance of natural light in
most areas.
THE EXTERIOR: INTERIORS

The exterior, which is the outer shell of the structure is

mainly from wood. According to the architects, wood is
a natural material that was proven to reduce stress by its
effect on human psyche. The minimal usage of materials
in the exterior strikes a perfect balance between calmness
and trustworthy atmosphere. In addition, “the environ-
mentally friendly wood construction references a Nordic
materiality while providing a pleasant indoor climate and
tactile qualities” . This benefit justify use of the wood as
an exterior shell of the building.
The interior design of the facility is predominantly min-
imal. All spaces were designed with a bountiful array of
natural light to enter the space, selection of simple and
comfortable furniture, and views of extraordinary out-
door.

These views outlooks enhance the intimacy feeling in

patients. As it can be seen from the floor plans, most of
the spaces has a strong connection to nature. The build-
ing’s design interacts with the landscape and generates a
topography of various terraces, platforms, gaps, and oth-
er outdoor/indoor spaces .

To maximize the ability to link patients and nature, the

entire ground floor is open to the landscape. The court-
yard and landscape create a protected, flexible outdoor
space that invites different activities, such as conversa-
tions between visitors..
 General information:

Location: NIMHANS, Bangalore

Architects: *various*

Size: 13.221 sq.m

Concept:
Concept

Modelled based on Morstley Hospital, London. Upgraded as per

needs this hospital specialises in Neurosciences and psychia-
try. It helps the patients fund themselves by providing Occupa-
tional therapy and Life Training. The National Institute of men-
tal health and neuro sciences. The priority gradient adopted at
2. NIMHANS, BANGALORE the institute is service, manpower, development and research. A
multidisciplinary integrated approach is the main stay of this in-
stitute paving the way to translate the results from the bench to
the bedside. Several national and international funding organisa-
tions provide resources for academic and research activities.
WARDS:
Wall height- 5-6m ( reducing accessibility to roof hung fixtures
such as fans, lights, etc.)
Windows - 4-5m ( reducing accessibility to window grill and
escape routes)
Switch Boards - 4-5m ( To reduce misuse and self harm
tendencies )
wards - only beds provided to prevent self harm tendencies
Bathroom fixtures - as low as possible with minimised
Projections to prevent self harm tendencies.

CENTRAL COURTYARD:
Easy to maintain with drainage and ventilation

FORENSIC WARD
Observation room for under trial patients
Stay room for HC and DC

VISITING ROOMS
Near entrance and first gate

DINING ROOM
Serves as a multi purpose room for occupational therapy and dining

COMMON GARDEN
Serves as a therapeutic space under supervision

NURSES ROOM
Serves as a treatment room and stay for nurses

SECURITY GATES
It has double security gates for prevention of escape
 General information:

Location: Amritsar

Architect: Sarbhjit Bhaga

Size: 47 acres

Concept:
Concept

It is planned on a site of 45 acres, the plan comprises primarily of

two zones:
The outer circle and the The inner circle

The outer circle: It accommodates the buildings like

OPD-cum-diagnostic-cum-administrative block, Occupation-
3. VIMH, AMRITSAR al therapy/ Rehabilitation unit , Voluntary patients unit Serai ,
shopping/ cafeteria , Services like kitchen, laundry and stores ,
Staff quarters
 The entire inner circle has been kept strictly pedestrian so as to impart serene
and tranquil environment to the inmates.
Vehicular traffic has been restricted to the periphery.
The designs of all the building blocks have been evolved keeping in view the
peculiar requirements of different types of the patients.
Efforts have been made to evolve a distinctive architecture for each block so
as to make them easily identifiable by the inmates.
However the unity and consistently the two important aspects of campus de-
signing have been taken care of by providing uniform external finishes i.e ex-
posed concrete and red sand stone cladding.
The master plan provides for ample open spaces to be developed as gardens,
play fields, parks, etc. this helps in creating a lively, cheerful, and natural envi-
ronment, which is a pre requisite for such hospitals.
NUMBER OF BEDS:
MALE SECTION: 1.Intermediate and improved patients stay :100
2. Forensic unit :80
3. Acute care : 20
4. Chronic stay : 50 TOT=250

FEMALE SECTION: 1.Intermediate and improved patients stay :60

2. Forensic unit : 20
All the building blocks in the campus have been laid out on a strict cartesian
3. Acute care : 20
pattern with symmetrical juxtaposition reminiscent of traditional indian cam-
4. Chronic stay : 50
puses.
The built up masses and the open spaces are ingeniously interwoven to create a TOT=150
building in the garden effect.
The entire hospital complex has been linked by vaulted corridor running inde- VOLUNTARY UNIT : 50 GRAND TOT= 450
pendently through open spaces with greenery on both the sides
Built up benches have been provided at certain intervals for casual sitting while
walking in the corridor.
The intersections of the corridors have been developed as a 20 feet by 20 feet
chowk with a high roof.
SITE SELECTION
CURRENT STATE OF PSYCHIATRY
IN INDIA

Based on a study conducted, most psy-

chiatric patients commonly receive care
in private or
public psychiatric hospitals that have
well-developed inpatient and outpatient
services .
. The people with chronic mental disor-
ders reside in psychiatric hospitals
. In 2006, the number of psychiatric out-
patient clinics had increased to 44 and
were usually connected to general or
psychiatric hospitals.
In 2016, India included 21 mental health
hospitals in different cities with a clini-
cal capacity of 4046 beds, in addition to
99 psychiatric clinics attached to
general and specialized hospitals3
. None of these mental health hospitals
had an inpatient unit for
children nor adolescents except at the
ones that specialized in the addiction
treatment for teenagers
as well as adult. Nonetheless, children
and adolescents are welcomed to see a
psychiatrist at the
psychiatric outpatient clinics only ac-
cording to a call interview with a psy-
chiatrist who preferred
to be anonymous. Yet in January 2020,
a new an inpatient care department has
been opened for
children suffering from mental illnesses
for children.
“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that
is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk
about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less up-
setting, and less scary.” — Fred Rogers
HYDERABAD POSITION TOWARD
PSYCHIATRY
Some people in Hyderabad ignore the importance of their mental health. They are
not aware that mental health is the key to enjoy a peaceful, healthy, and balanced life.
On the other hand, many people familiar with it, but they just feel ashamed to admit
it Mental health and seeking psychiatric and psychological services are still misun-
derstood. Mental illness is a serious public health problem in many countries. Mental
disorders are one of the largest causes of lost years and of quality of life in the world.

Also, “It estimated that five of the leading causes of disability worldwide are psychiat-
ric in nature with depression ranking first”. Depression, symptoms of mental distress,
and anxiety among teenagers are common in many countries. Hyderabad is one of
these cities, however, the attitude of the people toward psychiatry is a big obstacle in
gaining treatment, especially for adolescents.

Essentially, this obstacle has been created due to two major reasons, which are, the
stigma to mental health and the fear of the psychiatry hospitals.
 THE STIGMA TOWARD MENTAL
HEALTH
The stigma toward mental illness is defined as the “negative
feelings people have towards people with a mental illness”
One study defines this problem further; The Stigma toward
mental illnesses is a great concern in the field of mental health.
In addition, the core belief regarding
mental health in the
Muslim community “is centered around
destiny, in which the predominant atti-
tude is positive acceptance of God’s will
and high levels of optimism towards
healing,” which is a serious
misunderstood concept that needs
awareness.
. Indeed, the city of Hyderabada reacts
poorly and negatively toward people
with mental illness in relation to treat-
ment, work, marriage, and recovery and
toward seeking professional help.
Again, the lack of awareness in Indian
culture was the likely factor behind neg-
ative judgments about mentally ill per-
sons.

Stigma toward mental illnesses often They found that more than half of all the
isolates people with mental illness from participants reported trying to
close relationships and prevents them hide their mental illness to avoid situa-
from following treatment plans and par- tions that might lead to being stigmatized.
ticipating in psychoeducation” This stig- The factors that lead those people to hide
ma is considered one of the biggest hur- their situation was “traditions, cultural
dles in providing treatment. Basically, norms, the way people were raised,
there are several factors impact the public and a lack of community awareness”.
attitudes towards mental health which
created this stigma. According to the
study The experience and impact of stig-
ma with Hyderabadpeople with a mood
disorder conducted in 2018, attempted to
determine the extent and impact of stig-
ma experiences in patients.
FEAR OF MENTAL ASYLUMS

A major factor that stops adolescents in India from getting a mental

and spiritual therapy is the fear of aggression and violence from psy-
chiatric patients.
Most of the mental health hospital designs in India do not reassure the patient. According
to patient’s opinions, psychiatric hospitals/ Mental asylums look unwelcoming and unset-
tling. Indeed, some of the patients, who preferred to be anonymous, complains that “psy-
chiatric hospitals look more like a prison than like a hospital”. Unsurprisingly, very recent,
in 2020, a famous local newspaper reveled an escape of 4 psychiatric patients from Taif Psy-
chiatric Hospital. According to Okaz, the four patients justified that what pushed them to
escape is “what they described as psychological fatigue resulting from the “boredom” in-
side the hospital according to the lack of recreational or entertainment programs that could
compensate them for staying away from their homes” This further emphasizes the need for
quality inviting design in mental facilities, especially for adolescents.

HEALING ARCHITECTURE
Healing is the process of reinstating harmony in the body which is altered by a disorder.
Healing architecture involves life-enhancing designs in the mental care hospitals that ad-
vance the healing characteristics of a building via architecture and planning models. These
areas aim to minimize fear and tension while leading to the ultimate recovery of the pa-
tient. The poorly designed facilities catalyze the mental conditions rather than help in re-
covery. An ideal psychiatric care physical design should minimize injury in addition to the
refreshing healing process. Safe facilities reduce the cost for both the patient and facility
through mitigation of injuries which tend to cause more expenditure. The reverse action of
typical hospital buildings motivates this paper to study the practically tested designs that
enhance healing, especially in terms of daylighting, green roof, and color selection.
WW

AREA
PROGRAMME
SPACES: (INPATIENT) SPACES: (OUTPATIENT) RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION

Waiting Reception Collaboration Room Reception & Waiting

Reception Outdoor Ticket Counter EMDR Directors Office
Staff Room Waiting Areas LET Meeting Rooms
Cloak Room toilets ECT Assistant Office
Activity Room/ Socializing Public Toilet Reception Manager Office
Space Pharmacy Seating Area Pantry
Visitors Meeting Room OPD Toilets Toilets
Public Toilets Counseling Room Conference Rooms Lounge
Single Bed Room (with toi- Physiotherapy Room Cubicles Clerk's Office
lets) Psychiatrist Chamber Electrical Room Record Room
Double Bed Room (with Individual Therapy Room HVAC Surveillance Room
toilets) Group Therapy Room Reprography Security Room
Dining Area Storage Accountants Office
Doctors Chamber / Thera- Research Lab Maintenance Room
py Room Seminar Room
Nurse Station Cafeteria
Gymnasium
Utility Area
Laundry and Housekeep- STAFF RESIDENCE
ing Discussion Area
Surveillance Room Single Bedroom
Electrical Room Double Bed Room
Public Toilets Stations
Utility Area