Melanie Vander Vlugt
Guided by the belief that excellent design involves thorough research, attention to detail and sustainable considerations, Melanie strives to create spaces that balance creativity and functionality. The leading principle in each of her projects is to meet the needs of a given client with consideration of the health and well-being of every occupant.
Art-Based Therapy Centre
Among the widespread population living with eating disorders, severity levels can range from minor to life threatening, requiring outpatient and inpatient medical treatment. However, impatient treatment centers can have wait times up to a year and posttreatment relapse rates range from thirty-three to sixty-three percent. Current research shows that alternative therapy methods are beneficial for clients who are first seeking help as well as clients maintaining coping strategies. Through literary research and interviews with professionals in the field, the following art therapy centre was designed to maximize functional objectives, safety and occupant well-being.
Rationale and Design Narrative
The design goals were to provide healing through social connection, spark creativity, and provide a safe and trusting environment. With that being said, the design centers around the concept of partially enclosed spaces and emphasis through scale and texture. Transparency and openings allow for physical and implied enclosures that maintain a level of visual and acoustic connection while providing users with a sense of safety and privacy. Inspired by the existing three storey atrium, the shelving millwork became an area of focus, a source of inspiration, and a means of connection. Space planning was influenced by the conditions of the building envelope to maximize natural daylight and views in the most commonly used spaces. For spaces without windows, natural daylight is provided through the atrium and clerestory windows while cove lighting imitates daylight where possible. The overall design approach consisted of emphasis through scale, height and asymmetrical compositions.
Design Connection to Research
Qualitative research was conducted to gain insight into how the built environment can support art therapy treatment. The following factors were found to be significant. A lack of effective social support has shown to be the most impeding factor to maintaining recovery. Group therapy decreases feelings of isolation and provides the opportunity for individuals at different stages to motivate and influence one another. Acoustic privacy within each therapy room was a priority for client confidentiality and was achieved with doubled gypsum partitions, caulking, and finished materials. Research concluded that a combination of open and closed storage for materials, client work and cleaning supplies is the most effective. Indirect natural lighting was described to be most ideal for art therapy while providing control over lighting levels to allow the environment to be tailored to the needs of individual clients.
Character of Space
Owing to the fact that this is a healing environment, special consideration was given to materials, forms and colours. Earthy tones, wood combinations and weaved textures were used to create a calm and comfortable atmosphere. Cubic forms and recessed shelving allow art display of local artist’s work, on a regular basis as well as for gallery events. Minimalistic loose furniture and potted plants give a residential feel to the space while allowing for flexibility. A contrast exists between the historic exterior and the contemporary interior that is intended to be a back drop for paintings, sculptural work and pottery.
Program Consideration
Research concluded that having multiple professional streams for eating disorder treatment in one building could be greatly beneficial. Theses include therapy, dietary therapy, and psychiatrist drop-ins. Additionally, research demonstrated that art therapy is equally effective when using alternative art mediums to drawing, painting and clay, such as dance, yoga and music. Spaces are zoned according to floor levels. Therapy spaces are located on the second level, staff and administrative spaces on the main level and private offices and amenities on the basement level. Programmatic requirements for an optimally functioning centre consisted of a balance between private therapy rooms, group therapy rooms and enough staff and administrative spaces for client information and staff well-being.
