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Designers and researchers from Perkins + Will interviewed adolescent residents of a behavioral health facility on the East Coast of the United States to learn more about their facility-related place-based needs. The researchers found that “all interviewees requested opportunity for individual ‘calm down’ spaces relating to adolescent need for privacy . . . Cool colors, such as varying hues of blue and purple, were preferred . . . suggesting resident’s need for calming spaces . . . residents disliked imagery with strong, primary colors, child’s toys, and small-scale furniture. Residents universally noted a desire for natural lighting . . . [preference was shown for] a variety of chair options and seating arrangements. The resident’s preference for the varied seating relates to needs of choice and control where they sit, how they sit, and whom they sit with. . . .All furniture must be heavy enough as not to become weapons. Nevertheless, some portability is desirable as it allows for residents to alter and exhibit limited control over their environment.” The needs expressed by the adolescents interviewed are incredibly similar to those that environmental psychology theory would predict.
Jamie Huffcutt. 2010. “Maximizing Healing: Evidence-Based Design and Adolescent Behavior Health – A Case Study.” Healthcare Design, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 16-19.
