Family healing center : a therapeutic facility for families of divorce

Date

1999-05

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Abstract

Thesis: Divorce is a commonplace phenomenon in American society whose victims include all members of the affected family unit. Healing for such families must occur at the level of the individual, the family, and within the community. Therapy plays a key role in the affected persons' abilities to cope with divorce and move on to become a productive and stable contributors to society. Unfortunately, the spaces that serve therapy are often unwelcoming and problematic to those seeking help. Architecture cannot solve the social and personal problems of divorce, but it can play a small yet integral role in the healing process for families struggling through divorce. Facility: The facility is a healing center designed exclusively for families of divorce. Such a facility does not currently exist; therefore, these services are currently provided in office buildings or institution-like structures. This facility, in contrast, should provide a home-like atmosphere that families can relate to. Focus must be placed on the elements needed to create a place for healing, such as natural light, natural materials, water, plants, animals, and color. Scope of Project: The facility will encompass about 8,500 square feet. Spaces must be provided for many different forms of counseling, including play therapy, individual therapy, group therapy, and integrated therapy. Offices are needed for the therapists' work and for meetings. A library should provide informational services for the families, video spaces for group sessions, and testing rooms. A childcare area would be ideal for families who must bring their children along during sessions. Context: The Healing Center will be located at the northeast corner of Maxey Park in the City of Lubbock, Texas. The site is located where three zones of land use intersect: the medical district (representing medicine), Maxey Park (representing nature), and the residential zone (representing the people). These three zones and their representations are the elements that comprise healing architecture.

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Keywords

Architecture, Rehabilitation centers -- Design and construction., Mental health facilities -- Design and construction.

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