Military life can be challenging, stressful, and isolating. The nature of the job can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As architects and interior designers, we constantly discuss and implement solutions to support service members’ mental health and wellbeing.
Small and simple changes in the design of military facilities can have a significant impact. A few measures generate great benefits— from identifying and repurposing underutilized spaces as communal areas for socialization to increasing daylight exposure in a space. Here are some examples:
Adding Communal Spaces
Places where service members can gather and bond helps combat feelings of isolation and loneliness. These spaces can be used for a variety of purposes, from relaxation and downtime to group activities and events.
What are some ways to create communal spaces in military facilities? Consider the layout of a facility. Is there a common area that can be built for this use? If not, consider converting an unused or underutilized space into a communal area. This can be done with something as simple as introducing a grouping of comfortable chairs, creating a circle of logs around a fire pit that can provide communal seating, or putting up a net to create a volleyball court. Taking simple, achievable steps towards creating a place that is adaptable and usable for the occupants does not always require a significant investment of resources.
Increasing Comfort
Interior design elements help create a sense of community and comfort. Bright colors and finishes are more effective than muted tones in designing a welcoming environment. In these environments, people can find sparks of joy to promote a better quality of life and decrease the stressors that lead to depression.
Creating easy access to the outdoors helps ease anxiety and ultimately makes people more productive. Community gardens can be a great way to encourage people to gather and connect to nature. A military base in Alaska hosts sporting events to motivate and inspire its troops. Fostering a sense of community instills pride and invites soldiers to discuss and reflect on the issues they face every day.
The architectural choices and the selection of furniture and furnishings should provide soft light and sound-absorbing materials to reduce noise levels. Reducing harsh sounds and adding color are readily available options when designing a space and can make a world of difference in a soldier’s quality of life.
Increasing Exposure to Daylight
Increased exposure to daylight has been proven to boost mood and reduce stress levels, so selecting large and low windows with views of open spaces and nature is recommended. Exposure to sunlight increases productivity and decreases anxiety. Strategically placed windows can also help soldiers suffering from PTSD feel more relaxed and secure in their building.
Small Changes, Big Impact
My approach as an interior designer centers around making small changes that can tremendously improve a facility’s occupant wellbeing and satisfaction. I value applying this experience to support our service members through my work at Mead & Hunt.
