Vladimira Navratilova (she/her)
I am an interior design graduate with a passion for exploring. Throughout my academic journey, my interest in new and emerging technologies, specifically Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), has grown and given me a unique experience with interiors. Immersive experience can improve our creative thinking about design and bring our concepts to a new level. This past year has been particularly transformative for me as I delved into creating experiences of modern interior designs, fueling my curiosity and igniting my creative spirit. I stay updated on the latest interior design trends and innovations to offer clients fresh and innovative solutions. I am not limited to existing products. Instead, I have the ability to create custom solutions that precisely meet specific needs, taking into consideration the manufacturing process. I am excited to continue growing and learning in the field of interior design, pushing boundaries and creating beautiful spaces for people to enjoy.
My designs are primarily focused on empathising with people and their needs. These primary elements have driven my final year project, which is private Mental Health Clinic. I wanted to demonstrate that hospital design does not need to be dull and monotonous.
Thrive
My final project is a Mental Health Clinic for people with eating disorders. The concept focuses on biophilic design, natural materials, forms and textures. The design aims to encourage the healing process for people requiring a short and long stay at the clinic. The inspiration was to explore the role of Interior Design in healthcare, meeting both practical and emotional needs. The sense of touch became a core consideration for the patient as my design and research developed. Through my research, I discovered that sensory design could support the improvement of mental health by helping to reduce anxiety. The aspiration is that my building operates like a micro-city, where inhabitants are free to wander from private domestic space to supportive and therapeutic environments such as a counselling room, sensory rooms, relaxation space and medical spaces. The entire project is presented in virtual reality to understand the atmosphere and volume of the interiors in more detail.
Project Links
Design Concept
The main idea was to select services such as counselling, GP or sensory rooms from private accommodation and dining room. In this case, the living area is situated in the part of the building where you can see the city centre from the windows.
Being able to bring more natural light and fill the space with shadows which copy interior details features, I break the building into two main parts.
Over more, the facade was changed and replaced by huge vertical and horizontal windows to help light up bridges and the group floor atrium. Vertical is mainly for the reception and the waiting area to bring a calm atmosphere into space with rays of the sun. The horizontal window is essential for the top floor, where is the private dining room on the right side. It brings a spectacular view of the city and the canal with surrounding nature.
Interiors
My focus has been on creating interiors that prioritize the well-being of patients and contribute to the healing process.
I. RECEPTION – The first contact with the interior is the reception. In hospital design, the priority has safety. Every user have to attend the reception to be navigated where to go, and the receptionist will make sure outpatients do not disturb the privacy of inpatients. There is only one official entrance to the building, which help monitor the circulation of people in the clinic. At the reception desk, the significant material is green velvet. Soft and warm materials help reduce stress with touches.Space including waiting area.
II. ATRIUM – Open space atrium with a view into the sky. It is a fluent transition between reception and private accommodation. The atrium supplies contact with nature — outdoor area with trees, plants and bushes. An artefact for socializing is a garden shelter where patients can meet or talk with peers in different environments than in group sessions.
III. RELAXATION ROOM – Relax room is available for anyone feeling overwhelmed with therapy or emotions. Space where patients can sit and wrap their feet in the sand.
IV. ACCOMMODATION – Each apartment offers two bedrooms, a bathroom and a living room with a balcony and a view into the atrium. For people with eating disorders is essential to be supervised what they are eating and check their nutrition. For this reason, apartments are not including kitchens. In the living room, patients have a small kitchen sink with essential kitchen equipments such as a kettle or microwave.
V. DINING AREA – Patients need to be encouraged to walk in and be able to spend the necessary time and eat their meals. The entire space is covered in greenery with details, which can help patients cope with stress about eating. The primary purpose was to change the entire space so people didn’t think they were in a dining room. Another important aspect was how patients would be circulated in the area. For example, new arrivals need more privacy and quiet for eating. There are fixed booths for this purpose. They are small, round, tall and heavy pieces of furniture made of wood where patients can sit and feel safe. The other type of seating is located in the back of the dining room. This space is already open and encourages patients to sit with their peers and support each other. My idea was to bring a sense of Eden Garden into the interior. Patients can find small details in the space, such as grapes growing above booths or flowering tomatoes.
VI. SENSORY ROOMS – Sensory rooms can prevent unexpected emotions and help with physical
symptoms like a calm body, also mental improvement. Patients have three options based on their needs. Based on my research, one common sign of anxiety is sweating or hot flashes. Patients can use the “cold” room (represented in blue-ish colour) in this case. Neon lights and fluffy walls reduced stress levels through touch and vision. The lava room is designed as a warm, calm environment where patients can grab a heavy blanket and sit in bean bags. The last space, the “warm” room, contains bean bags and sofas as an option for seating. With relaxing music, patients can sit and read a book.
VII. COUNSELLING ROOM – The counselling office is selected in two areas: office and cousnelling corner. The space is separated by a timber structure with an arched entrance.
BED DETAIL
