James Goldby

Mindful Living

Contemporary housing developments have been revealed to result in several negative impacts on occupants’ mental health, that of which have only been exacerbated by the pandemic. My design project aims to analyse how higher density residential architecture can be used as a tool to help aid with the mental health and wellbeing of its occupants, and potentially reduce the effects of anxiety and depression. Through my research, I noted four key aspects of residential design that can help improve general mental health and wellbeing; access to natural light, connection with the natural environment, having a place to escape, and having a sense of neighbourhood and community. Each dwelling typology, combined with the landscaping and overall layout of the site, aims to address these requirements at varied levels, accommodating for a wider spectrum of occupant conditions and needs.