Rounding the Corner; A Community Based Counseling Center for Adolescents in Foster Care

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Date

2020-05

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The Ohio State University

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Abstract

The purpose of this research project is to study how interior design can nurture the needs of children who are in families that are suffering from the opioid crisis. This will help to foster an environment that will ultimately aid in their growth. This crisis is prevalent throughout the United States, causing roughly 130 deaths per day (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020). The struggle with opioids has been linked to the main reason for 36% of the 268,212 children being placed into foster care. Ohio specifically, has been listed as one of the six states that saw the largest increase in children entering foster care due to parental drug abuse ("Sepulveda, Kristin, and Sarah Catherine Williams). As the epidemic continues, the rates of children being placed into foster care continues to rise (Cass, 2017). Drug abuse is alarmingly present on the local level as well, showing a 227% increase in residents dying from drug overdoses in Franklin county. (Columbus and Franklin County Ohio, Drug Use Data Brief, 2016). Due to Franklinton's socioeconomic factors such as poverty and high crime rates, the Franklinton community faces an immense struggle with drug abuse. The need for an environment in Franklinton that will not only make their children feel safe, but will also aid in their growth is pivotal in ensuring that they can build EVIDENCE-BASED INTERIOR DESIGN PROPOSAL Can interior design be leveraged to positively influence our mood and well being within the built environment? a positive future. Secondary research including public health reports, medical studies, architectural and design studies as well as case study analyses will be used to investigate and collect information that will ultimately inform my interior design decisions to create a space for children in foster care affected by the opioid crisis. With that being said, can studies regarding the health benefits associated with biophilia and its numerous principles be leveraged to determine how to best design a spatial environment that will benefit the overall well-being of the children inhabiting the space? For example, studies regarding color psychology and the soothing effects of curves will be used to determine the best design approach for each room based on its specific function needed. If these interior design elements implemented into the built environment can be used to positively influence the mood and well being of those inhabiting the spaces, then they can be leveraged to ultimately help aid in the effectiveness of the space as a whole. Therefore, the building, "Rounding the Corner" will be capable of providing the adolescents within Franklinton a solid foundation to focus on their physical, mental and social well being all the while educating them on the current opioid crisis.

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Color Psychology, Biophilia, Adolescents in Foster Care, Therapy Spaces, Interior Design, Mood, Well-Being

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