Spiritual Moments in Transitional Spaces at the Psychiatric Hospital

Abstract

A person's movement through a space has a profound effect on their emotional and social landscape: how much they talk to each other; how supported they feel; whether they feel safe; and perhaps most importantly, how valued they feel (Health Business, 2019). It is often in a subliminal way that a well-designed environment promotes health and wellness, delaying the escalation of distress and letting the medical team treat urgent concerns (Lyons, 2018). In psychiatric hospitals, patients move between different units at different stages of their stay there. However, interior designers often overlook transitional space design. This study was initiated to contribute to improving the outcomes of psychiatric hospitals by designing a transitional space that supports the patient in their transitional journey, not only physically but also emotionally and spiritually. An analysis of the literature on the design of patient spaces in psychiatric hospitals found that spirituality plays an important role in improving the mental health of psychiatric patients. It also highlighted a research gap on how it can be incorporated into the psychiatric ward environment specifically. The literature review explored the elements of religious buildings that promote spirituality, and more specifically Islamic religious buildings, to be compatible with the religion and culture of the Saudi Arabian society on which this study is based. The methodology used for the primary research in this study comprised the completion of online questionnaires by experts in the field, including psychiatrists and nurses. This provided a deeper understanding of the psychiatric hospital environment in Saudi Arabia and helped identify the most pressing problems that patients in these facilities experience. It is hoped that this will contribute to the research gap that was identified in the current literature. The results revealed that patients suffer from a lack of exposure to sunlight, a lack of privacy, and a lack of independence. These findings led to the design of a transitional space comprising four aspects: alleviating stigma; enhancing privacy; independence; and awe and wonder. Researching the needs of patients on their recovery journey and understanding how well-designed spaces can improve their safety and recovery is an essential component of improving the outcomes of psychiatric hospitals