Compatible spaces for emotional support of child and adolescent patients : design of in-between and outdoor spaces in healthcare settings

Abstract: This thesis addresses the importance for child and adolescent patients to have contact with such outdoor spaces that conform with their emotional state and promote well-being while being at healthcare settings. In some contemporary hospitals, holistic approaches to patients’ health are used in such a way that they may be beneficial for the whole healing process. Holistic healing goes way beyond the technological development and medicinal treatment and is helping the individual to achieve a positive emotional state, encouraged by the design of healing outdoor environments. Unfortunately, such landscapes are not always available. Children and adolescents are dependent on adults’ decisions while their capabilities to sustain emotional balance are still developing. That is why this group of patients should have an easy access to intentionally designed outdoor environments for supporting their emotional balance. Landscape architecture can benefit from including a connection between emotions and design. Emotions have, therefore, been studied through the field of psychology and environmental psychology to inform about requirements regarding spatial qualities which contribute to positive emotional experiences for child and adolescent patients. Further, a method triangulation including participation of child and adolescent patients has been used to study the experiences of the focus group. A theoretical bridge has been needed in order to link emotions with landscape architecture. The theoretical bridge has been supported here by the Self-perception theory while for design issues the concept of emotional design and the practices for psycho-social support have been considered. As a result of this thesis, I compiled guidelines which I tested through a design for a case hospital later in the process. The guidelines are based on the aspects found as important such as architectural communication, compatible spaces and in-between spaces. Five space types have been identified to be compatible with the emotions of child and adolescent patients.