2023 - Full Presentation Schedule
Group Home For Adolescent Boys Environmental Psychology Design Proposal
Abstract
Objectives: This research aimed to determine the existing conditions of boys' group home facilities within the Upstate of South Carolina and research the effects of purposeful evidence-based design within psychological spatial planning.
Background: Current research solely focuses on congregated residents' placement and behavioral outcomes within the foster care system, while healing design facilities are primarily found in the medical field, such as hospitals, clinics, and mental health treatment centers. It is considered that if the intended planning of physical space in architecture and interior design is implemented within group care facilities, this will aid in additional healing or avoid environmental isolation.
Methodology: Qualitative interview exploration, spatial observation, and a systematic literature review were used in this research study to determine an in-depth profile of the residence within the space and to identify the current living standards. Recorded interviews took place with eight group home directors within the Upstate of South Carolina. They were asked to share relevant information about the adolescent boys' group home in which they work, explain existing conditions, and offer observations of the facility's layout of space. Converse University Institutional Review Board approved the qualitative questions and the audio recordings, which were thoroughly transcribed and scrutinized for repeated patterns and common keywords and phrases in the director's responses. Once sufficient data on the occupants and current building standards were gathered, information from peer-reviewed journals on Evidence-Based Design practices was analyzed according to common answers obtained. Data was collected from academic journals within the last ten years, and sufficient keywords were used within the search parameters: architecture, interior design, physical environment, Evidence-Based Design, environmental psychology, group homes, congregated care, and specific mental disorders. In addition, other sources were added from analyzed bibliographical references of chosen papers.
Results: Data showed psychological diagnosis and behavioral characteristics prevalent among the residents as 85.7% Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or trauma triggers, 71.4% Depressive Disorder, 62.5% Anxiety Disorder, and 92.6% expressing verbal or physical aggression. Four major design contributors in color, lighting, nature, and space planning aid in thirty-two health benefits, including mental illness, well-being, and conduct issues.
Conclusion: Further research is still needed, yet the expectation is that this study will raise awareness and create change within current licensing requirements and practices of foster group homes in interior design. The phenomenon will offer additional support and healing to adolescents living in these environments.
Keywords: Evidence-Based Design, Environmental Psychology, group homes, interior design, physical environment, space planning, aggression, trauma, and stress.
Group Home For Adolescent Boys Environmental Psychology Design Proposal
CASB 105 - Psychology
Objectives: This research aimed to determine the existing conditions of boys' group home facilities within the Upstate of South Carolina and research the effects of purposeful evidence-based design within psychological spatial planning.
Background: Current research solely focuses on congregated residents' placement and behavioral outcomes within the foster care system, while healing design facilities are primarily found in the medical field, such as hospitals, clinics, and mental health treatment centers. It is considered that if the intended planning of physical space in architecture and interior design is implemented within group care facilities, this will aid in additional healing or avoid environmental isolation.
Methodology: Qualitative interview exploration, spatial observation, and a systematic literature review were used in this research study to determine an in-depth profile of the residence within the space and to identify the current living standards. Recorded interviews took place with eight group home directors within the Upstate of South Carolina. They were asked to share relevant information about the adolescent boys' group home in which they work, explain existing conditions, and offer observations of the facility's layout of space. Converse University Institutional Review Board approved the qualitative questions and the audio recordings, which were thoroughly transcribed and scrutinized for repeated patterns and common keywords and phrases in the director's responses. Once sufficient data on the occupants and current building standards were gathered, information from peer-reviewed journals on Evidence-Based Design practices was analyzed according to common answers obtained. Data was collected from academic journals within the last ten years, and sufficient keywords were used within the search parameters: architecture, interior design, physical environment, Evidence-Based Design, environmental psychology, group homes, congregated care, and specific mental disorders. In addition, other sources were added from analyzed bibliographical references of chosen papers.
Results: Data showed psychological diagnosis and behavioral characteristics prevalent among the residents as 85.7% Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or trauma triggers, 71.4% Depressive Disorder, 62.5% Anxiety Disorder, and 92.6% expressing verbal or physical aggression. Four major design contributors in color, lighting, nature, and space planning aid in thirty-two health benefits, including mental illness, well-being, and conduct issues.
Conclusion: Further research is still needed, yet the expectation is that this study will raise awareness and create change within current licensing requirements and practices of foster group homes in interior design. The phenomenon will offer additional support and healing to adolescents living in these environments.
Keywords: Evidence-Based Design, Environmental Psychology, group homes, interior design, physical environment, space planning, aggression, trauma, and stress.