Mind, body & heart: the design of an expressive arts centre for the health and well-being of children

Abstract

This Master of Interior Design practicum investigated how an expressive art centre supported children to achieve holistic well-being. The practicum explored the concept of child well-being through three developmental aspects - psychological, physical and social. The psychological analyzed the mental health in children with theories informed by how mental development affected the relationship between children and the built environment. The physical aspect explored the playground design model and spoke to the inherent animistic quality of play in children. Finally, the social aspect analyzed place-making and attachment theory. The analysis of the sense of place defined the relationship between child and space but more significantly a child’s understanding of it. An approach informed by these studies created a design concept known as the ABC’s within the practicum. The ABC’s: approach, boundaries and cues informed the design for an expressive arts centre located in the Exchange District at 62 Albert Street.