Check out this abstract for a presentation given by a colleague at the most recent Architecture, Media, Politics and Society (AMPs) conference, 1st – 3rd December 2021.

The physical design of buildings can have an impact on physical and mental health. Numerous studies have identified physical design features of inpatient facilities and their impact on a range of outcomes. However no studies to date have synthesised the evidence for physical design of supported accommodation for people with mental ill health and intellectual disabilities. The aim of the scoping review was to synthesise the evidence for the use of physical design in supported accommodation to achieve a range of outcomes. The objectives included 1) to review the physical design of supported accommodation, 2) to identify the potential impact of physical design on outcomes and 3) to identify what works and for which populations in which setting. Literature searches were conducted across seven electronic databases. Studies were included for review if they met the following criteria; 1) conducted in a community supported accommodation setting; 2) reported at least one measure or description of physical design; 3) the mean age of participants was over 18 years; 4) included adults with mental ill health or intellectual disabilities; 5) full text and available in English. Eight studies were eligible for inclusion in the review. Results indicate that design features including: private rooms which support autonomy with opportunity for personalisation; common areas with natural light and homely features; outdoor spaces with greenery and furniture, located in good neighbourhoods with access to green spaces; and community accessibility are key design features of supported accommodation. The results from this review may be used to inform the planning, building and adapting of supported accommodation for people with intellectual disabilities and mental ill health. There is a dearth of research on physical design of supported accommodation, further research is warranted to create a robust evidence base.

Johnston, A., Davidson, G., Webb, P, McCartin, N., McAllister, K., Broughton, R, Sutherland, D., Kennedy, C. (2021)  Physical design of supported accommodation for people with mental ill health and intellectual disabilities: a scoping review. In Architecture, Media, Politics and Society (AMPs) Conference: Environments by Design, Syracuse University, Northumbria University, Italian Society for the Study of Health, Chalmers University of Technology, Virtual Conference, December 1st – 3rd 2021.