Live Laugh Love - Elevating people through architecture

Description

PREMISE

Our social behaviour is a direct projection of our mental and physical wellbeing, it goes without saying that it directly impacts lifestyle, livelihood and eventually the prosperity of an individual. A deterioration in mental health adversely affects all the above and is, therefore, an element to ensure a healthy life.

The social stigma that exists with mental disorders has led us to a scenario where there are 300 million people estimated to be affected by depression, which is curable if identified at early stages. It is now a common mental disorder and one of the main causes of disease worldwide. The onset of digital ease and presence of social media in the past decade has helped connect people in the virtual realm. 

How do we move ahead to a more physical solution and use design/infrastructure as strong tools for the same?

CHALLENGE

The staggering numbers itself is proof that mental health disorders have become a common health issue. Even though the numbers here are so alarming there is a lack of knowledge and awareness for mental health diseases. As a result, it has still not categorized mild mental disorders (Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Social Anxiety etc.) as serious health issues. This is because the repercussions of such ailments on individuals is not seen immediately and can be observed over a period of time. 

It affects the personal as well as professional lives gravely and, in some cases, have led to substance abuse and eventually death. People affected with depression or any other disorders tend to isolate themselves from the real world and get trapped in a quicksand of negative thoughts. 

Can a community based architectural intervention provide a space for having an open dialogue among the people? How can design integrate spaces for therapy and counselling on a larger scale that breaks the social stigma against mental disorders?