HOW SPACE AFFECTS THE BRAIN

Did you know that when you enter a space, your body, mind, and emotions instinctive react to it, depending on how the space makes you feel (and you're likely not even aware of it) ?

For people who have undergone trauma, especially, their reaction can be vastly different, depending on whether or not they feel safe in their environment.

Entering a space their body/mind/emotions do not deem safe can trigger a fight-flight-freeze-or fawn response, temporarily shutting off certain parts of the brain that process things like language, will and choice, creativity, logic, complex thinking, and relational connection.

On the other hand, a well-designed (trauma-informed designed) space makes people feel safe, allowing us to be our best selves, learn and grow, and connect deeply with others.

​This is the power of TRAUMA-INFORMED DESIGN.

WHAT IS TRAUMA-INFORMED DESIGN?

​Trauma-Informed Design (TID) builds on the principles of trauma-informed care and designs through an empathetic lens in anticipation of how people might experience the built-environment.

Trauma-informed designers recognizes that environments must be designed taking into account the specific background(s) and needs of those who will be using the space. A trauma-informed design approach involves not only extensive interviewing and cultural research (including racial, ethnic, gender, and historical background), but ideally also user collaboration throughout the   design process.

It then filters all of this through a deep understanding of the neurobiology of trauma, employing specific elements that make people feel safe, restore hope, dignity, and agency, and foster a sense of belonging through connection and community.