Janet Wilmoth interviews Architect Paul Erickson, FAIA, LeMay Erickson Willcox Architects, about the concept of immersive design and how it can impact firefighter mental health.
When we first heard that immersive design could help first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues, the immediate question was, “But what is ‘immersive design’?”
The article “Ten Things We’ve Learned About Immersive Design” describes the concept in two ways: “Immersive Design spans the spectrum, from technology surrogating sensory reality to simply just imaginary play” and “Immersive design is a form of storytelling, including an external narrative to the participants’ experience and a meta-narrative about the participants experience over time.” Put another way, immersive design incorporates design elements that encourage physical, emotional and mental healing through strategies like increased attention to circadian rhythms, daylight, color, views of natural settings, and selection of materials.
Architect Paul Erickson, FAIA, LeMay Erickson Willcox Architects, will present “Immersive Design for Reduction of PTSD and Suicide” at Firehouse’s 2019 Station Design Conference, May 14–16, in Rosemont, IL. Erickson first introduced the concept of Hot Zone designs 5 years ago at the Station Design Conference in Baltimore. The Hot Zone design has rapidly impacted how fire departments are dealing with cancer-causing carcinogens in their fire stations.
To read more of Janet A. Wilmoth's article, please click here.
Comments (0)