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Re-Wilding the Mind

Part 1 Project 2021
Barbora Vanek
University of the West of England | UK
Re-Wilding the Mind is a mental wellbeing centre on St. Philips Marsh. The utopian notion of re-wilding was the key concept of the final year studio. Broadly, it means “to restore to a natural state.” My project took on re- wilding in the context of the local community, which is one of the most deprived in Bristol with nearly a fifth of locals reporting poor mental health.

The complex provides spaces for conventional therapy as well as skill-focused therapy workshops and community spaces aiming to provide a place to meet and connect with the people around you. The central connecting piece is the garden courtyard providing a reflection space and an opportunity to reconnect to nature.

Environmentally, the building develops the concept of adaptive comfort and connection to the outdoors. The façade is used as a device to moderate the climate conditions and is designed to prevent overheating. Natural ventilation using roof volumes allows for adaptability of the systems.

Ultimately, Re-Wilding The Mind is a place for all the inhabitants of the area – humans and wildlife alike.

Barbora Vanek

Tutor(s)



2021
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