Once I had decided what building I was going to use for my module, I started to mind map ideas of the function I wanted the building to carry out. My focus was incorporating the ideas of mental health and wellbeing into the building; a place where individuals can learn how to manage their thoughts and feelings and regain a sense of mindfulness. This is very personal to me as I have suffered with mental illness for most of my life and have found it hard to find a sense of balance in my life where I can manage my thoughts efficiently. Therefore, I believe that it is incredibly important to have a space where people of all ages can come and take part in workshops and classes which will help them understand the importance of mindfulness and enable them to leave with useful skills which they can use in their everyday lives. I intend to create a breathing space which will not only have workshops and classes going on but also an apace where people can come and talk. Talking is the most important way to help an individual who suffers from any mental health condition; however, there are not enough spaces where people can go and vent the thoughts and feelings to others (even strangers).
Mental health is seen as abnormal, and although society is trying to make efforts to change this stereotype it is often subjected to spaces which are highly clinical and quite depressing. I don’t want this space to be advertised as a mental health centre; as I believe people are still uncomfortable coming to terms with the fact, they suffer from conditions branded with the ‘mental health label’. Therefore, The Hayes building will focus on managing these disorders in a fun and non-patronising way in the hope to normalise the conditions even more. One Function which I am addiment needs to be taught within this space is the idea of ‘Centering’. This is a technique of breathing which is shown to help increase your mindfulness and help to calm your body whilst managing the stress of dealing with negative and impulsive thoughts and feelings.
Whilst brainstorming a variety of ideas of functions and activities which can take place in the space, I also investigated who my main client will be. I decided that the charitable organisation Mind would be the perfect client for my space. In addition, I discovered that there is a building located in Roath (Cardiff) which is dedicated to the mind charity and helps support individuals daily; however, the space itself is very plain and boring and not very aesthetically pleasing. The space is located on the outskirts of Cardiff city centre which means that it is less accessible to people unless you catch a bus or walk 34 minutes to its exact location, alongside this there is a greater population within Cardiff city centre compared to Roath which means that tourism is most likely to be more prevalent by The Hayes (miller and carter building.)
MIND UK LOGO AND MIND WALES BUILDING (ROATH)
I intend to incorporate biophilic design into my development process as I believe that I should design the building using natural materials which have been proven to have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals. Breathing is vital for the survival of humans and trees and vegetation ensure that this process can happen; therefore, integrating biophilic design into this space will be perfect in promoting the importance of breathing correctly.
Charlotte's blog 