Young adults face growing mental health challenges. This project uses design as therapy, combining neuroaesthetics and biophilic design to create calming spaces that reduce stress and support emotional well-being.
​
The Mind merges science and design, using nature, light, and sensory experience to promote healing. Focused on young adults, it redefines wellness spaces as inclusive, restorative, and emotionally engaging environments.
Young adults face growing mental health challenges. This project uses design as therapy, combining neuroaesthetics and biophilic design to create calming spaces that reduce stress and support emotional well-being.
​
The Mind merges science and design, using nature, light, and sensory experience to promote healing. Focused on young adults, it redefines wellness spaces as inclusive, restorative, and emotionally engaging environments.
SENIOR CAPSTONE -
THE MIND: WELLNESS CENTER
Young adults face growing mental health challenges. This project uses design as therapy, combining neuroaesthetics and biophilic design to create calming spaces that reduce stress and support emotional well-being.
​
The Mind merges science and design, using nature, light, and sensory experience to promote healing. Focused on young adults, it redefines wellness spaces as inclusive, restorative, and emotionally engaging environments.
Neuroaesthetics
(neu-ro-aes-thet-ics)
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The study of the neural basis of aesthetic experiences, such as the appreciation of beauty and art.
WHY?
Young adults face growing mental health challenges. This project uses design as therapy, combining neuroaesthetics and biophilic design to create calming spaces that reduce stress and support emotional well-being.
​
The Mind merges science and design, using nature, light, and sensory experience to promote healing. Focused on young adults, it redefines wellness spaces as inclusive, restorative, and emotionally engaging environments
NUMBER OF ADOLECENTS WITH MENTAL DISORDER​​
BOYS
45M
GIRLS
35M
BOYS
44M
GIRLS
41M
10-14
15-19
CALM BY NATURE
A concept that incorporates natural elements and organic forms to create a positively stimulating space where users feel balanced, restored, and at peace while focusing on their health, using neuroaesthetic principles to enhance emotional and sensory well-being.
BUILDING AND SITE
238 CANTON STREET, ALPHARETTA, GA, 30009
The building stands within a lush, tree-filled setting that provides natural privacy and a calming atmosphere.
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Large openings on the east and south façades create a strong visual and spatial connection to the surrounding landscape.
ACADEMICS
GPA AVERAGE:
​
SAT AVERAGE:
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ACT AVERAGE:
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GRAD RATE:
3.57​
​
1300
​
29
​
96%
8:00 AM
1:20 PM
6:00 PM
SUN PATHS
LIST OF ROOMS
A
​
B
​
C
​
D
​
E
​
F
​
G
​
H
​
I
​
J
- RECEPTION/LOUNGE​
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- ZEN GARDENS
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- READING AREA
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- CAFE
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- GROUP MEETING ROOMS
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- YOGA ROOM
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- COLOR THERAPY WALK
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- ART GALLERY
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- AROMA THERAPY ROOM
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- EXERCISE AREA ACCESS
FURNITURE PLAN - NOT TO SCALE
N
NOT IN SCOPE
NOT IN SCOPE
NOT IN SCOPE
NOT IN SCOPE
NOT IN SCOPE
NOT IN SCOPE
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RCP - NOT TO SCALE
A
​
B
​
C
​
D
​
E​
FINISH KEY
A​
B
C
D
E
- WOOD VINYL
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- ACT
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- WOOD SLATS
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- WOOD SLAT PANELS WITH BLACK FELT FOR ACOUSTICS
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- CONCRETE CEILING TILE
NEUROAESTHETICS ANALYSIS
LIST OF ROOMS
A
​
B
​
C
​
D
​
E​
​F
​
G
​
H
​
I
​
J
- RECEPTION/LOUNGE​
​
- ZEN GARDENS
​
- READING AREA
​
- CAFE
​
- GROUP MEETING ROOMS
​- YOGA ROOM
​
- COLOR THERAPY WALK
​
- ART GALLERY
​
- AROMA THERAPY ROOM
​
- EXERCISE AREA ACCESS
SIGHT
- Ambient lighting for relaxation- Dark/dim lighting to promote peacefulness and calm emotions
- Task Lighting to promote collaboration/teamwork
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- Colored pendants in the Color Walk help guide people's emotions and allow them to be positively stimulated.
SOUND
- Use of Aroma diffusers and warm colors helps create a relaxing and comfortable environment.
- Aroma therapy is proven to improve focus and improve a person's mood.
SMELL
- Peaceful sounds following the color changes to help create a multisense enviornment.
- Sounds help calm a person and allow them to de-stress.
- Helps to connect with nature
TOUCH
- Tactile play in the Art gallery
- Tactile play can help people reduce stress and anxiety.
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RECEPTION
Flooring changes from dark to bright replicate the changes in texture and color found in nature. Zen gardens help guide the user while also creating a calming and peaceful atmosphere for reflection.
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ZEN GARDEN
1
RECEPTION - ELEVATION
NOT TO SCALE
COLOR THERAPY WALK
CUSTOM WALL LED LIGHT
This multi-sensory exhibit uses your auditory and visual senses to stimulate and evoke a range of emotions. Cool colors promote tranquility, calmness, and stability. While warm colors are meant to promote comfort, energy, and passion.
Acoustics are used on the ceilings and floor (rubber) to contain the sound from other areas in the center.
AROMA THERAPY ROOM
2
AROMA THERAPY ROOM - ELEVATION
NOT TO SCALE
Warm tones enhance the quiet and comfort of the space. Sustainable materials on the walls and ceilings strengthen the connection to nature. Soft, low lighting further promotes a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
HYDRO THERAPY ROOM
4
HYDRO THERAPY ROOM - ELEVATION
NOT TO SCALE
The wall and floor tile was chosen to mimic the texture, pattern, and feeling of a cave. Caves naturally create quiet, enclosed environments that encourage reflection. Keeping the atmosphere dark and dim promotes a sense of mindfulness and peacefulness.
GROUP MEETING ROOM
3
GROUP MEETING ROOM - ELEVATION
NOT TO SCALE
Task lighting supports collaboration during group exercises. Frosted glass panels maintain a sense of openness while still providing separation. The carpet pattern mimics natural ground textures, reinforcing the connection to nature.
THE MIND WELLNESS CENTER redefines what it means to design for mental health. By merging neuroaesthetic and biophilic design strategies, it embraces the values of holistic well-being, cultural inclusivity and belonging, and innovation in care to create a healing, evidence-based environment. It transforms everyday spaces into opportunities for calm, connection, and emotional renewal.
