Angelica Spano
My name is Angelica, as a designer I enjoy designing spaces that promote wellness and enhance the wellbeing of individuals. For my thesis I designed an Art Therapy for children with Selective Mutism. Drawing from personal experiences with this form of anxiety, I understand the power of art in overcoming communication barriers. Inspired by my own journey, I aim to bridge the gap in support for these children by exploring how the design of Art Therapy promotes empowerment and genuine expression where kids can freely express themselves artistically, without verbally communicating their feelings.
Project Overview
This Art Therapy Center is space for children struggling with Selective Mutism, aged 4 to 12. Recognizing the need to support this rare form of anxiety, the space seeks to establish an anxiety free center aiming is to create an empowering space through art therapy. By offering both individual and collaborative sessions, the goal is to guide them in discovering their voice through artistic expression.
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Parti Diagram
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Parti Diagram
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Ecological Systems Theory
Concept/Design Process
Children with selective mutism often experience feelings of anxiety, fear, and disempowerment in situations where they are expected to speak. They may feel overwhelmed by the pressure to communicate verbally and may worry about being judged or criticized. Selective mutism can lead to feelings of frustration, isolation, and low self-esteem as children struggle to express themselves in certain situations despite their ability to speak in other contexts.
Therefore utilizing Urie Bronfenbrenner Ecological Systems Theory, I was able to significantly understanding and support of children with Selective Mutism within their diverse and interconnected environments and feelings. Therefore the design concept is grounded in creating an empowering environment tailored for children with selective mutism, where art serves as their medium of communication and self-expression.
Through a free-flowing design, each child's voice is magnified, nurturing a deep sense of identity, belonging, and confidence, the space reflects the uninhibited creativity of children, aiming to be transformative and self-empowering. It's a space where children with selective mutism can freely explore their creativity, fostering growth and empowerment.
Site Plan/Floor Plan(s)
The Location for this project is, The Alton Mills Art Center located at 1402 Queen St W, it is one of many heritage building within the city of Alton. The exterior of the building is surrounded by brick and large windows providing a lot of natural light. With A large communal space, Accessible area and parking, the building presents to be a perfect location for an art therapy center. Drawing inspiration from a parti diagram, the floor plan embraces a free-flow design that prioritizes each child's voice and the arrangement of spaces.
Extensive research has guided the selection of each room, ensuring the space meets the diverse needs of the children, fostering an environment free of anxiety where artistic expression flourishes. The main level caters to visitors and staff, featuring user-centric elements such as a play area designed to offer a sense of safety and familiarity, easing children's anxiety. Additionally, a café provides a gathering spot for kids and parents, while an art gallery showcases the children's creations, bolstering their self-esteem and confidence. On the upper level, therapy spaces take place, with four collaborative art therapy rooms dedicated to different mediums like pottery, knitting, painting, and mixed art.
These spaces encourage connections among children with selective mutism, fostering collaborative creation without verbal communication. The design also includes six individual art therapy rooms, providing a secure and nurturing environment for children to express themselves alongside their therapists. The lower level houses suites and a breakfast room, offering accommodations for families traveling from afar, ensuring they have a comfortable stay.
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Main Level Plan
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Upper Level Plan
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Lower Level Plan
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Site Section North
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South Section
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Upper Level Elevation
Sections/Elevations
The sections demonstrate the relationships between all floors and spaces within the design.
3D Views
The first image demonstrates the pottery room which one of the four collaboration rooms, these rooms foster connections among children with selective mutism and their peers by encouraging collaborative creation without verbal communication. The second rendering demonstrates the Individual Art Therapy Room, this provides a safe and nurturing environment for children to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through various creative mediums with their therapist.
The third rendering shows the upper level corridor, it stands out as the central element in the space. The half-open walls, allow visibility into each room from any point within the hall, it not only creates a sense of interconnectedness and safety but also facilitates easier navigation for the children. This design choice encourages a feeling of inclusivity and support, reinforcing the idea that each child's voice and expression are valued and seen within the space.
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Pottery Collaboration Room
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Individual Art Therapy Room
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Upper Level Corridor
