Rebecca Roberts
Interior & Environmental Design BDes (Hons)
Sound Shores is a safe space for young people to openly discuss mental health and well-being matters without stigma or bias.
About
I aimed to explore how the built environment can impact and influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours with this project. Using my findings, I have created a space which implements design techniques that will encourage healing and mental wellness - "Sound Shores". Sound Shores aims to be an environment that falls between school/work and home and instead offers a space in between to act as a haven to escape to.
This is a collaborative project with CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) in Ayr, and so I have designed it with their beliefs and ethos in mind. Using colour theory, viewpoints and several spatial outcomes, I have created a thriving space for young people, children, parents and staff.
I have chosen to reimagine an old hotel in Ayr due to its central location and accessibility. However, Ayr's shorefront has been influential throughout the entire design process, from colour to shapes to layout.
The space consists of 5 different zones, all of which will makes CAMHS run efficiently and effectively. These zones are:
- consultation spaces
- teen waiting area
- child waiting area
- café
- reception and staff area
Teen Waiting Area
I wanted this space to feel grown-up, not belittle the people going, and remain fun and interesting to avoid becoming too clinical. The bench-like seating gives options to the user as to how much interaction they would like with others, and the orientation eliminates awkward anxiety-inducing eye contact.
Café Space
The cafe is a space for everyone to enjoy. It allows for a natural buzz and social interaction and gives parents or guardians an area where they can wait - without feeling out of place.
Consultation Pod
I designed glass "pods" that can be more or less private with the sliding partitions surrounding them. This offers an adaptable space which can be changed to suit the individual. These pods can be used for one to one consults, group sessions or general quiet areas to seek refuge.
Sketch Models
These sketch models are inspired by different elements found at the seaside - particularly the driftwood and fences surrounding dunes.
Sketch
This sketch show the progression of form and gives context to later models.
Organic Shapes
These organic shapes are used throughout the space and are heavily influential in both the teen and child waiting areas.