Het Gielsbos is a care facility for people with severe mental disabilities located outside of Lille, Belgium. The community is located on public green space, and Dierendonckblancke Architects, the studio behind its design, has built it to maximize this natural space as well as be as accommodating as possible for the unique needs of the people who live there.
Part of the master plan for Het Gielsbos was the creation of a road to connect all the living units to one another and to the administrative building and sports complex. The architects designed this road as a loop, allowing for staff to quickly and efficiently move from house to house for things like medical check ups and meal deliveries. Further, the roads widen into public courtyards in the sections with housing, offering space for residents to enjoy the outdoors.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Green Care Facilities
- Integrating natural environments in care facility design to promote mental health and well-being.
- Efficient Staff Mobility
- Designing infrastructure for quick and convenient staff movement in care facilities.
- Outdoor Living Spaces
- Creating public courtyards in housing sections of care facilities to provide residents with outdoor areas to enjoy.
Where This Applies
- Healthcare
- Opportunities for creating innovative mental health care facilities that incorporate natural landscapes for improved patient outcomes.
- Architecture and Design
- Designing infrastructure that enhances staff efficiency and supports the well-being of residents in care facilities.
- Landscape and Urban Planning
- Developing outdoor spaces and green environments in care facilities to enhance the quality of life for residents with severe mental disabilities.
