KRISTINA PENNER
KRISTINA PENNER
THE PROBLEM:
We often think of the mind and body as two separate components, but our mental and physical health are interconnected. Physical health problems and injuries significantly contribute to the risk of developing issues related to mental health, and vice versa. This is a consistent problem for high performance athletes who dedicate 90% of their time to sports/athletics. High-performance athletes are constantly practicing, exercising, and weight training, leaving little to no time for homework, sleep and social events. This can have a detrimental effect on mental health, along with the internalized pressure to perform and physical strain these athletes endure daily. When an athlete suffers an injury, they often receive physical treatment to the injury without any acknowledgement of the mental affects a physical injury can have.
THE SOLUTION:
These types of athletes are in need of an easily accessible space that provides the necessary amenities to take care of both the mind and body, leading to BALANCE. The goal is to provide high-performance athletes with the support they need to strengthen both their mental and physical well-being, while establishing a safe and communal atmosphere.
DESIGN CONCEPT
Indoor Garden, Café, Physiotherapy, & Art Therapy
The balanced relationship between the mind and body is represented through the yin & yang symbol and emphasized through curvilinear forms that establish a symmetrical space. Patterns and color stimulate the mind and encourages the user to journey through each space, building a sense of community.
The main floor consists of an indoor garden space and café to immerse the user in a relaxing oasis full of plants and gathering spaces to promote a sense of community. Built-in seating and circulation paths provide users with places to self-reflect or gather as a community, establishing a safe atmosphere that is committed to healing. The café provides the users with healthy food choices, encouraging healthy eating habits, and establishing a gathering place to reinforce a sense of community. It is integrated within the garden space and can also act as a waiting area for users receiving physical and mental therapy sessions. The two curvilinear forms on opposing ends are colored glass walls which represent the yin/yang symbol and define the main floor.
The mental art therapy space, physiotherapy space, and reception are located on the second floor. The reception area is located off the stairs with seating for the users and storage for all patient files, along with an accessible coffee bar and sink. The physiotherapy area consists of public treatment beds for ranging rehabilitation treatments/exercises, including treadmills, bikes, and equipment, along with two private rooms for massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic treatments. This area has direct access to natural light and connects the user to nature. The environment is bright, organized, safety-oriented, and structured to permit patient treatments/exercises and promote healing. The mental art therapy space encourages the user’s creative process by providing art therapy sessions to facilitate self-exploration and understanding using imagery, color/paint, and music to express feelings that can be difficult to articulate. There are two private therapy counseling rooms combined with public spaces provided with art supplies. The use of natural light by providing window access makes the users feel comfortable/connected to nature to help establish a sense of security/safety in a vulnerable space.
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Phone: (403)540-9384
Email: Kristinaepenner@gmail.com
Instagram: Kpenndesigns
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kristinapenner
Location: Calgary, AB