Abstract / Excerpt:

Philippine mental institutions use drugs as primary tool for therapy, and for that reason, put less emphasis on the ability of nature to heal. Hence, the present hospitals appear like plain asylum-type structures. The presence of natural environment in the sorroundings do not only set a subtle pervasive mood, but also a sense of serenity and tranquility brought about by its remarkable innate quality. That being so, conventional setting of Philippine mental hospitals should be redesigned in an innovative therapeutic manner. The emphasis for therapy should be through the presence of natural environment in the sorroundings of mental patients. Incorporating the balance of man and nature, findings of this study reveal the significant impact that natural environment contributes to healing of mental patients. Furthermore, not only does this paper signify the use of natural environment as the important tool for therapy, but also considers the ideal spaces and design elements of Filipino Architecture and its integration as factors in enhancing therapy and rehabilitation. The values that Filipinos inherit such as being sociable, hospitable, religious, family-oriented, and superstitious influence the design intended for the purpose of therapy. Accordingly, the incorporation of nature to Filipino Architecture brings about the innovation of a new natural therapeutics mental hospital.

Info

Source Institution	Ateneo de Davao University
Unit	Engineering and Architecture
Authors	Bacus, Sheanna Infante.
Page Count	161
Place of Publication	Davao City
Original Publication Date	March 1, 2004
Tags	Architecture, Designs and Plans, Dissertations, Filipino, Institutional Care, mentally ill

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