From crisis to community: a mental health resource hub in Colborne, Ontario

Abstract

This thesis explores how architecture and design may support the mental health of youth. Youth, in a vulnerable, transitionary stage of life, are uniquely affected by mental health struggles and benefit from having access to mental health resources. Drawing on research focusing on mental health statistics and causes, placemaking principles, well-being design principles, and the accessibility of resources, an architectural and landscape design proposal for a youth-centered community hub developed for Colborne, a small village in southern Ontario, Canada. Situated in a resource desert for mental health supports and other amenities, youth in Colborne face more challenges than the average youth in the province. This design proposal aims to address the declining mental health of youth within an accessible, purpose-built space reflective of the wider community identity, where youth can access mental health resources and get support in better self-advocacy skills.