Located within an existing 5 acre campus of mental Healthcare . We were called to design an unused/redundant space in the center of the campus. This space almost seemed perfect as a spill over space for the canteen.

The brief was very specific and had a budget constraint . We were told the space should be informally used throughout the day and round the year. The space should be designed to be used mostly during the early morning as which is 7- 10am  and evening 4 - 8pm, where the patients are allowed in common spaces.

 

In conversation with the doctors we derived different categories of user group.

For a single person who may or may not be social

A group of 3 to 6 people for group activities like story telling and game

For patients with good social skills for group interaction and bonding activities.

As a relaxing space for the doctors, interns and care giving staff

 

We firmly stuck to the philosophy “What attracts people most, it would appear, is other people.” by  William H. Whyte

The seating patterns was not linear but cluster formation oriented towards to walkway, driveway and sports activity zone.

After use of the space the first remark/comments we received from the user was  about a  very primitive and simple design intervention. The most remarkable design intervention that was most appreciated was the backrest design for the seater.  This made us rethink are understanding of designing for people.

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Board games and table tennis sports completed the space