EOS Wellness Center: Rethinking Inpatient Mental Health Facility Design

The design of mental health facilities significantly impacts patient outcomes, especially for individuals with depression. Environmental factors such as lighting, thermal comfort, and access to nature influence mental health. This research explores how architectural design can reduce self-harm incidents and enhance recovery outcomes for patients with depression. The project hypothesizes that synchronizing light patterns and thermal comfort with patients’ circadian rhythms will reduce self-harm incidents and improve recovery. The problem established in the research is that disruptions to circadian rhythms increase the risk of depression, PTSD, and anxiety by 30% (Burns et al., 2022). Suicide is also the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 10-24 in Georgia (DBHDD). Despite the growing need, long-term inpatient facilities are scarce in Northwest Georgia. Along Martha Berry Boulevard in Rome, Georgia, a proposed Tax Allocation District (TAD) aims to redevelop blighted areas, including motels linked to criminal activity. A new long-term mental health facility within this district would address both urban revitalization and mental health care gaps. The location near hospitals and public spaces provides an optimal environment for patient-centered care. The design approach is guided by the Well Building Standard and the 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design. This would include access to green spaces, which promotes psychological healing. Open nurse stations and communal therapy areas would be included to encourage positive interactions between patients and staff. Circadian rhythm-focused lighting will regulate daylight and artificial light to improve mood and reduce self-harm. Existing mental health facilities lack holistic care. This project integrates circadian-based lighting strategies as a non-pharmacological intervention while revitalizing Rome’s blighted corridor. The proposed facility will not only enhance recovery outcomes but also create a sustainable, community-integrated solution for mental health care.