A Place of Solitude

POSITIONING_Stress is not currently classified as a mental illness, which means limited treatment options are available through the public sector. We have observed that an increasing number of people in our circles turn to alternative treatment, as many of these options have been proven to have a positive effect on stress symptoms and mental health in general. We found this tendency interesting in terms of how mental illness is perceived and how the boundaries are constantly pushed of what is recognised as actual illness and treatment.

BALDERS CENTER_A new typology of recreational treatment, along with addressing the early stages of stress, depression, and anxiety through counseling and alternative methods such as meditation.

THE MONASTERY_ The architecture of monasteries is designed to facilitate the quest for solitude. Cloisters, with their tranquil gardens and arcades, offer secluded spaces for contemplation and religious prayer. The design of monastic cells provides inhabitants like monks and nuns in a christian setting with simple yet functional living quarters, where they can retreat into silence and solitude to commune with their inner selves and with the divine. 

The layout of monastic buildings often follows a hierarchical structure, with areas of increasing seclusion and sanctity as one moves further into the monastery. From the bustling activity of the cloister to the secluded solitude of the hermitage or anchorite cell, monks have the opportunity to gradually withdraw from the world and delve deeper into their spiritual practices.

DAYLIGHT_ has consecutively been proven to have a postive impact on mental health. Studies have shown that exposure to daylight, even for a short time, will have a beneficial effect on individuals, and is found to be especially beneficial for individuals during a recovery phase in hospitalization. 

How might we approach the notion of solitude through architectural moments by employing the thematic pillars of domesticity, daylight, thresholds to nature and the relation between new and old, in the redevelopment of the abandoned building complex at Baldersgade 24, Nørrebro, Copenhagen?

MOMENTS AS AN ARCHITECTURAL PRAXIS_ by elevating everyday moments through architectural gestures, we want to challenge the traditional functionalism in architecture, particularly prevalent in mental healthcare, where spaces often feel overly institutional. To counter this, we described our own everyday moments, aiming to align our design closely with the real experiences of users in these spaces. 

Recovery takes space and simple acts can have therapeutic effects on individuals by giving them the opportunity to regain control of their environment. This emphasizes their sense of identify and fosters mindfulness, especially benefiting individuals recovering from stress, anxiety and depression.