Veteran-Centered Investigation of Architectural and Space Design Considerations for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Abstract

Aim: This study sought to investigate architectural and space design considerations for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Background: Anecdotal evidence suggests that urban design features could have a positive impact on the mental well-being of individuals suffering from PTSD. However, evidence-based architectural and space design guidelines for PTSD are largely absent. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 veterans diagnosed with PTSD to gain insights into their personal experiences with physical indoor and outdoor spaces, and to inquire about their needs and expectations for future architectural design. Transcripts were analyzed thematically. Results: Architectural design features including windows, entrances and exits, walkways and hallways, open space, defensible space, and green space; interior design features including furnishings and color; and ambient features including light, air quality, and noise levels were identified as most influential design features. Conclusions: Our results underscore the first important step to developing comprehensive architectural and space design guidelines for veterans with PTSD. Work is in progress to solicit more feedback from veterans.

Trauma-Informed Design of Supported Housing: A Scoping Review through the Lens of Neuroscience

“…The first strategy, visibility, fosters situational awareness and the anticipation of potential threats. Built environment design features include the ability to preview potential threats from outside through the provision of peepholes and buzzers at entries [ 49 ], and clear lines of sight through windows from interior to exterior [ 46 , 50 , 55 ]. Within shared housing environments, the importance of preview extends to the interior of the dwelling, including lines of sight into communal spaces [ 12 , 22 ].…”

“…Within shared housing environments, the importance of preview extends to the interior of the dwelling, including lines of sight into communal spaces [ 12 , 22 ]. In a study of veterans suffering from PTSD, Nuamah et al [ 50 ] highlight aspects of interior layout and features that enhance situational awareness including open, circular layouts without ‘blind corners’ or the need to have ‘a back turned’ (p. 168) and spaces that are not ‘cluttered with furniture’ (p. 169). Visibility also encompasses opportunities for staff surveillance.…”

“…While visibility targets awareness and anticipation of potential threats and concealment targets avoidance of threats, the final two strategies, escape and secure boundaries, emphasize protection from threats. Opportunities for escape include the provision of multiple and clearly identifiable paths of exit, larger transitional spaces, wider doors, and circulation spaces that are free of obstacles [ 12 , 50 ]. Secure boundaries include both the physical defensibility of the entire dwelling complex and the ability to protect personal space and belongings with solid walls and lockable doors and robust lockable storage [ 46 , 47 , 49 , 51 ].…”

“…The second theme targets the avoidance of the diverse range of visual, acoustic and olfactory environmental stressors that act as triggers for trauma. Sudden and unexpected noises are a common trigger, leading to recommendations for avoidance of alarms and good acoustic separation [ 47 , 50 , 55 ]. Other built environment design strategies include avoidance of fluorescent lights [ 12 ], the avoidance of odors that can act as triggers for trauma, and maintaining good air quality through enhanced ventilation [ 50 ].…”

Healthy Dwelling: Design of Biophilic Interior Environments Fostering Self-Care Practices for People Living with Migraines, Chronic Pain, and Depression

“…For example, biophilic design was recently utilized in long-term residential care for people with dementia [ 25 ]. Other studies suggest that it can be optimized for people with post-traumatic stress disorder [ 26 ], autism spectrum disorders [ 27 , 28 ] and to improve mental health outcomes [ 29 ]. The interior design opportunities are further illustrated by reports of biophilic design to mitigate physical and cognitive decline in aging adults [ 30 ], and for those living with disabilities [ 31 ].…”