Investigating Architectural and Space Design Considerations for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Patients Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent condition among the general U.S. population but in particular for veterans. Anecdotal evidence points to the effect of urban design features on mental well-being of PTSD patients. However, evidence-based architectural and space design guidelines for PTSD patients is largely absent. Such guidelines might alleviate PTSD symptoms and improve patients quality of life. Interviews were conducted with combat veterans who were diagnosed with PTSD (sub population focus) to gain insights into their thoughts, needs, expectations, and experiences with physical indoor and out-door spaces. The findings suggest that certain indoor and outdoor design elements such as sharp corners, narrow pathways, blind spots, etc. increase anxiety and leads to triggers while soothing features (e.g. open spaces, situational awareness providing features such as lack of clutter or open floor plans) can relax veterans.

published proceedings

  • Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting

author list (cited authors)

  • Khanade, K., Rodriguez-Paras, C., Sasangohar, F., & Lawley, S.

citation count

  • 4

complete list of authors

  • Khanade, Kunal||Rodriguez-Paras, Carolina||Sasangohar, Farzan||Lawley, Sarah

publication date

  • September 2018