| Title |
Healing Environment Design Elements for Outsider Art Creation Spaces |
| Authors |
정개가(Zheng, Kai-Ge) ; 나일민(Nah, Ilmin) |
| DOI |
http://doi.org/10.14774/JKIID.2025.34.2.027 |
| Keywords |
Outsider Art; Mental Illness; Art space for disabled individuals; Healing Environment Design; Art Therapy |
| Abstract |
(Background and Purpose) Mental health issues are increasingly prevalent in China, affecting around 130 million adults, yet 91% of them do not receive professional treatment. This gap in care is largely due to societal stigmas, cultural norms, and concerns about personal reputation and social harmony. The purpose of this study is to explore key elements in designing healing environments for “outsider art” spaces, providing theoretical insights for their planning and design. (Method) The study begins with a literature review on “outsider art” and “healing environments.” Based on this, the design elements of outsider art spaces were categorized into 10 attributes and 30 specific environmental components. A survey, using a five-point Likert scale and the AHP, was conducted with local experts in China to assess the relevance and importance of these elements. This process helped identify and prioritize key plannng elements. Results) The study identified 18 key spatial elements, which were categorized as follows: (1) Physical Environment: Safety (safe environment, safety facilities), Accessibility (barrier-free facilities), Comfort (nature, environmental adjustment), and Convenience. (2) Psychological Environment: Flexibility (self-directed engagement, autonomy in choice, freedom of expression), Privacy (audiovisual isolation), and Sense of Intimacy (deinstitutionalized atmosphere, familiar environment, professional art team). (3) Social Environment: Interaction (spatial openness, diversity, clear spatial division), Participation (free artistic creation, activity experience), and Sustainability (creative goods). In addition, the AHP analysis revealed that Chinese experts place the highest priority on healing design that support artistic creation and socialization, especially for vulnerable groups, with an emphasis on communication, interaction, and empathy. Conclusions) Future designs for outsider art spaces in China thus should focus on more enhancing programs on social programs and environments, which are crucial in addressing the socioeconomic challenges faced by individuals with mental disorders. We hope that this research contributes to the development of the design discourses and practices on cultural spaces that prioritize humanistic care and support the social integration of individuals with disabilities. |