Interior Design School of Design
Yi Lin Koh
At GSA, I’ve learned to develop my creativity and embrace an innovative approach to design that challenges conventional norms through storytelling. I believe in questioning past design choices and exploring new ways to improve them. By embracing this mindset, we can create designs that meet current needs while inspiring and driving future progress for societal change, leveraging new technologies, and ensuring safety and sustainability.
For my final year project, I have reimagined the standard sexual health clinic. The concept revolves around inclusivity and people’s mental health without compromising safety. To reflect this design, I adopted a storytelling concept.
“Every great design begins with an even better story.” – Lorinda Mamo.
The Sexuality Sanctuary
Project Overview
With the rise of abortion rates, unwanted pregnancies and STDs in the UK, embarrassment and the lack of knowledge are the leading causes of people not visiting sexual health clinics. This sexual health clinic is for people who need support and treatments. Often, people coming to a sexual health clinic will feel overwhelmed and intimidated. The harsh cold lights illuminating most clinics will subconsciously convey a sense of intimidation. Although physical health is promptly taken care of, the patient’s mental well-being experiences neglect. Most people feel ashamed and demoralised when they should be proud for seeking help. This clinic should resonate with hopes for a better quality of life.
The goals in designing The Sexuality Sanctuary clinic are rooted in education, reducing stigmas around sexual health, and incorporating diagnosis, treatment, and technological innovation for prevention and control. The clinic should rise above the traditional model of a healthcare institution and embody today’s society with a strong emphasis on mental health. This sexual health clinic is for people who need a safe, warm, space for support and/or treatments. In particular, the people who feel they have been neglected by the system. A well-designed clinic coupled with proper facilities can significantly impact patient experience and outcomes. Patient care can be rushed, but the people who visit this clinic will have their voices heard, questions answered, and their care will be provided for. People can rely on this clinic for anything related to sexual health so that these individuals can lead safer and healthier lives.
Project Aims
- Establishing the Atmosphere and Environment
- Privacy and Discretion
- Planning Efficient Flow and Wayfinding
- Safety and Hygiene
- Implementing Innovative and Inclusive Designs
Ground Floor Visuals
Ground Floor
- Pharmacy: Here, you can get all things sexual health. You can get prescription medicine from doctors, contraception, sanitary products, male enhancement products and even sex toys. When you enter, you’ll be welcomed with a welcome beverage as staying hydrated is important. People can speak to pharmacists on the counters and even privately if they wish! The consultation counters have decorative acoustic panels on the ceiling to make a more private conversation! There are also two iPad kiosks near the drug counter to get in touch with someone. At the Sexuality Sanctuary, we understand that waiting is inevitable for patients in a clinic. Hence, there is a seating area with some plants to make the waiting experience more pleasant.a Once your medication is ready, you’ll be called to the drug counter to pay and collect. There is also a separate entrance to the pharmacy for a grab-and-go without the hassle of going through the front!
- Cafe-Entrance: You’ve just entered. You can enjoy some light food and drinks before or after your visit here.
- Disabled-Friendly Toilets: All toilets are disabled-friendly and can be used by anyone.
- Education Hall: This section of the room is where we welcome people to get to know more about their sexual health. The talks are given by a sexual health specialist who is knowledgeable in the field. There are 2 types of seating here; the conversation pit and the seats behind it. Anyone can pick where they feel the most comfortable. If by any chance you feel too shy sitting on the ground floor because it’s too open, we have more seats on the top floor! The ground floor can accommodate 40 people, and on the first floor, 15!
- Ramps + Stairs: The ramps and stairs outside are a means of access for everyone since the building sits on an incline.
First Floor Visuals
6. Consultation Rooms: This is a space where you can get check-ups with healthcare professionals regarding your sexual health.
7. Counselling Rooms: On the left side of the building, is the counselling area. Here you can discuss anything with your therapist.
8: Staff Area: Staff can use this space to lounge, put in storage and use the labs for testings.
9: Waiting Area: It’s just behind the education hall. After registering, people can wait in the waiting area or listen in to the talks from above. The waiting area is a small informal space that is semi-covered with curtains.
10: Void: This is a continuation of the ground floor Education Hall where people can peer from the bottom.
10a. Balcony Seats: People can sit in the balcony seating and listen to talks from down below where they cannot be seen.
11. Fire Escape: There is a fire escape near the consultation area as there are stairs and a means of escape on the other side of the building.
