Fourteenth International Conference on The Constructed Environment

Abstract

As people find comfort indoors, understanding how architectural features impact the human mind is imperative. Relaxation and stress management techniques are anchored in empirical researches that focus on the effects of building architectural designs suited to psychological well-being. Currently, a number of research demonstrates the practical evidence of how structures affect human function and health. However, there is a scarcity of studies focused on mental health in adaptive re-use of built heritage. Hence, recognizing the importance of mental health of the end-users of structures, the nexus between architectural processes and psychology is explored. This phenomenological design inquires the collective perspectives of stakeholders in framing mental health in the adaptive re-use of architectural structures. Gathered data were subjected to rigorous analysis until the emergent of the following themes: (1) On Space and Nature; (2) On Light and Security; and (3) On Color and Complexity. Findings from this study may add to the previous knowledge on the link between architecture and psychology. Further, this may provide new perspectives in the adaptive re-use of structures geared towards modernization. Ultimately, findings of this research aim to facilitate realization on the importance of incorporating the advantages of framing mental health and its positive impact on end-users of adaptive designs.