The Architecture of Mental Health - AIA NY Center for Architecture

REGISTER for this educational session that will provide an overview of the history (past), current focus & challenges (present) related to creating safety and security. Additionally, this session will share principles & examples for visioning the future for Behavioral Health Design. Speakers Erin Sharp-Newton from Posen Architects and Kimberly McMurray from BHFC Design Consultants have extensive experience in this market segment and have developed a presentation to educate participants about this relevant topic, including the COVID Pandemic and how architecture and design are responding to behavioral health needs within our communities.

Participants in this session will learn about:

1. HISTORY: A brief architectural history of psychiatric & mental health facilities.
2. PRESENT: Current data regarding mental health information, facts & figures.
3. SAFETY + SECURITY: Guidelines for creating a safe environment for both the patient and staff through integration of security in the design process.
4. PRINCIPLES + VISION:  Creating therapeutic environments design principles, and understanding the changes on the horizon that impact the built environment for behavioral and mental health facilities.