Contemporary issues in acute mental health facility design: insights from the Aotearoa-New Zealand experience

Abstract

Renewed focus on mental health has put the spotlight on the ‘black box’ that is the acute mental health facility. Drawing on a larger programme of research, key issues relevant to the planning and design of mental health units were identified from in-depth interviews with those using the facilities. Contemporary issues included visibility from the outside and wayfinding, the need to accommodate cultural needs extending to the family and community, safety and violence, the need for access to nature and fresh air, and facilitating meaningful activities. Stigma and its spatial expression were a crosscutting theme throughout. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry; identifier: ACTRN12617001469303.