How Can Robust Environments Be Created That Are Not Institutional?

Following our HAPPI Hour presentation on Trauma Informed Design within Learning Disabilities Environments with Jill Pable, Florida State University and Patricia Mazure, Empowered Homes there were a few questions we didn’t get around to answering on the day with one in particular being difficult for designers; how can robust environments be created that are not institutional?

Firstly, a key concept of the trauma-informed design approach is to widen individuals’ tolerance window; and reduce presentations and behaviours where robustness is an issue. However, the design’s safety and security aspects also need to be in place. The trick is to try and do this without creating an oppressive environment.

Trauma Informed Design within Learning Difficulties Environments

An obvious institutional range of products is anti-ligature fixings, and these should try to be designed out wherever possible. This can be done using recessed and tamper-proof fixings and the use of magnets for projecting elements. Whilst there will be cases where the use of anti-ligature fixings is unavoidable, they are associated with prisons and other institutional environments and hence minimising their use in domestic settings is important.

The main building elements are perhaps the most important to get right in terms of robustness, as the cost of replacement can be considerable. Therefore, it is important to consider the density of materials, particularly when using plasterboard, to make sure the material is robust enough. Denser materials do offer acoustic benefits too, which will also help to achieve trauma-informed design goals in certain settings. Glass should always be toughened from a safety perspective, and this has no impact on the appearance of an environment.

One key issue is fittings that go on the wall or ceiling. The first step would be to analyse whether there is a way to avoid having them. Could underfloor heating be used instead of radiators? Can blinds be integrated between the glass in windows to avoid traditional approaches such as curtains or standard room blinds? Can lights be recessed or use LED strip lights, which can be hidden? A thorough review of each space should be undertaken to minimise projecting fittings.

The last piece is then allowing measures which can reduce the impact should behaviours occur. Finishes are important in this regard, particularly walls where smear-proof and wipeable surfaces are required. There are some washable paint finishes on the market as well as clear anti-graffiti coatings that could be used to cover more intricate areas of decoration. Also, having a drain gully underneath a kitchen unit and in bathrooms will reduce the impact of water damage should taps be left on.

Throughout my time working on similar projects with different clients, it has made me aware of how the presentation of challenging behaviours differs from person to person and therefore it is impossible to cover every eventuality immediately. One example that springs to mind is a person who would self-regulate by picking and eating sealant. This is a common material used to seal windows and bathrooms and this presentation was not expected in advance of the project. Therefore, whatever the environment is like initially it is important to be flexible and adaptable, working with staff through trauma-informed care to adjust settings to individuals.

Another point raised during the session was about applying these principles to all buildings to make them as accessible as possible, I am in total agreement with this as a goal and there are some crossovers with dementia design and other inclusive design practices.

It is key that designs go beyond the basic safety and security needs which are reactive design solutions to create a more proactive approach, but these measures are still required as a minimum baseline. The skill is to make them as subtle as possible.

Click the following link to view the complete research document; Trauma-Informed Design within Learning Disabilities Environments

Written by Mark Slater – Design Director