Dastak: Centre for Mental Healthcare

Abstract

How Architecture Can Support A Positive Façade Of Pakistani Psychiatric Institutes For A Long-Term And Therapeutic Experience For Patients And Help To De-Stigmatize Mental Illnesses. Since the epidemic, mental health has been a significant issue that has garnered more attention than before. Covid-19 has had a severe psychological impact on individuals all across the world due to the emotional stress caused by quarantine and lockdowns. Although it has such a significant impact, psychological health has not gotten the attention it merits. Since the beginning of time, physical health and wellbeing have taken precedence. However, mental health has long been stigmatized, and people often feel uncomfortable and ashamed to admit they have mental health issues. People with mental illnesses are the most susceptible to environmental hazards. The tendency to overreact to some surroundings and under stimulate others increases with the severity of the mental condition. According to WHO figures, in developing countries like Pakistan, one percent of the population suffers from severe and 10% from mild mental disorders. It's unusual to find a well-constructed mental health care facility in Pakistan, and I think the residents of the twin cities deserve this service. The idea is to create an environment that engages all of the senses throughout use, which is known as a sensory design. The development of therapeutic architecture would result from this. Researchers are studying certain mental diseases to see how patients respond to various stimuli and how treatment procedures could be modified to provide a more relaxing environment for patients as therapeutic design may foster recovery and lessen hostility. Gulberg Greens was chosen as the site for this project since my goal was to create it for the people of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Our recommended site is a realistic alternative since it is near to other important facilities and is easily reachable by people of both cities. The goal is to provide patients with tranquil, healthy settings. It is important to use architectural design to foster openness, independence, privacy, and sociability while still providing employees with a productive, well-organized workplace. Since they have a good impact on rehabilitation and health for those experiencing any form of mental stress, natural components should be discussed and used. To protect the patients' safety, a contentious issue like privacy needs to be addressed. To enable patients transition between the two settings efficiently, inside operations should become an extension of the neighborhood outside.