Mariin Kroon

• WELLBEING SPACE: Youth counseling center in Tuvi park
• Tutor: Toomas Tammis; Tarmo Teedumäe; Eik Hermann

When creating an urban environment, little thought is given about the impact of the space created on a person’s mental health. Unfortunately, it is mental health problems that are at the forefront of the global burden of disease. Many mental health problems begin in childhood or adolescence.

The master’s thesis brings together spatial elements that increase mental well-being. When assembling the elements, it was important to understand what spatial nuances affect a person and their psychological balance. The work has studied architectural theory, history, evidence-based design and the psychological aspects of the environment. Although each spatial creator has developed his own beliefs and language of form, the well-being factors are considered to be indispensable archetypes of man, his behavior and his perception of the environment.

The master’s thesis draws attention to the mental health problems of 16-26 year olds and the stigmatization of the topic. The environment and factors influencing health of the young person are analyzed. The dissertation then makes a well-being space proposal, creating a mental health counseling centre for 16- to 26-year-olds in Tõnismäe Tuvi Park. The location of the project has been chosen based on the number of schools in the Tõnismäe area and its ease of accessibility by public transport.

The created concept would fill the gap in the young person’s support system. Creating an environment where mental health issues are addressed anonymously, steer in the right direction and in a supportive way. The aim of the anti-institutional unit is to provide counseling and therapy services, but also to guide the young person to better behavioural habits through refreshing activities – art, dancing, sports and being in the fresh air. Such a solution involves young people in physical activities, encourages them to communicate with each other but at the same time enables the opportunities to be alone.

By learning to notice the effects of space on human health, psychological processes, behavioural patterns and thus general happiness, better urban space and buildings could be created. Such that would exclude spatial stimuli and stress reactions, but would ensure a person’s basic and psychological needs.