Rachel Gonçalves Stoneman
As an aspiring Interior designer, I have always been drawn to the fusion of design and technology, and finding joy in being able to use technology and creativity to design memorable places that have the ability to enhance people’s experiences. My passion for promoting health and well-being led me to develop the Serenity Physiotherapy Centre. The design focuses on creating a serene environment that provides both patients and staff a safe, trauma-informed space of healing.
Project Overview
Welcome to Serenity, a holistically designed physical therapy centre which utilizes Trauma-Informed Design and Place Attachment Theory design strategies to enhance the patient and staff experience, reduce stress, and increase motivation and wellness. The clinic facilities includes a welcoming reception, relaxing café and lounge spaces for both patients and staff, a gym and exercise space, as well as a variety of treatments that include physical therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, halotherapy and hydrotherapy.
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This thesis explores three connecting themes surrounding Trauma-Informed Design and Place Attachment Theory, which are flexibility, tranquility, and transparency.
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The conceptual idea portrays the resilience of a vining plant that can thrive in difficult conditions, and shows flexibility, transparency between vines, and tranquility through connections to nature.
Concept/Design Process
The focus is on creating a holistic patient experience that instills motivation, particularly acknowledging the resilience of patients undergoing treatment, while avoiding trauma triggers and addressing both patient and staff wellness to ensure safety and comfort. Embracing the concept of resilience, this thesis explored the parallels between a patients' long treatment journey and natural elements known for their resilience, such as plants growing through challenging conditions, and springs absorbing shock while returning to their original form.
Site Plan/Floor Plan(s)
Serenity Physiotherapy Centre is located at 3120 Lake Shore Blvd W in Etobicoke, Ontario. A main appeal to this building is the site accessibility through TTC transit and parking availability, both in the two lots belonging to the site and plentiful street parking.
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Floor Plan
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Section Perspective: Treatment Rooms
Sections/Elevations
This section perspective showcases the central massage treatment rooms, where a lot of patients spend most of their time. These rooms were intricately designed to evoke a spa-like ambience, featuring ceiling designs that serve as both a captivating distraction from discomforting treatments and trauma, and as a means to set different lighting levels and atmospheres.
3D Views
The 3D renderings focus on showcasing the variety of treatment areas throughout the Physiotherapy Centre, portraying the many design strategies of Trauma-Informed Design and Place Attachment. Neutral and natural hues and materials, together with organic forms, complement the wood elements to enrich the ambiance with warmth to create a welcoming and calm healing environment. The design was kept minimal to avoid triggers, however, pops of colour and fun patterns (flooring, upholstery, marble) were also implemented to promote uplifting and motivating feelings.
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Treatment Room
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Gym
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Exercise Space
Poster
The posters for Serenity Physiotherapy Centre presents itself in a way that reflects the feelings of the design, reminding you to take a breath, a moment, and relax as you take in its content. These posters display the floor plan, conceptual approach, materiality, and 3D renderings.
