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Interior Design School of Design

Yongjia Zhou

(She/ Her)

During my time at GSA, most of my self-proposed topics aim to create a tranquillity and healing atmosphere and are relevant to art healing. In my final year project, I proceeded my interest as a designer to commit to creating a healing environment, however, with more attention paid to the preservation of a historical building and its possibility of adaptive reuse. This project has allowed me to explore how interior design could be integrated and improve the healing process and healing space rather than just therapeutic rooms. This is not just a design. It reflects on how spaces can transform lives and how I, as a designer, have a responsibility to make those transformations meaningful.

Contact
jessicaz0815@gmail.com
Y.Zhou9@student.gsa.ac.uk
Works
ARTIFI
Site
Ground Floor
Lower Ground Floor
Floor Plans

ARTIFI

For centuries, art has served as a powerful tool for emotional expression, healing, and transformation. Imagine a space that not only supports the healing process but actively enhances it through art, where the environment itself helps young people express their emotions and start their healing journey.

That is what ARTIFI is all about. It is an Art Therapy Centre located in Pollokshields, in the south of Glasgow City. Designed for adolescents dealing with mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and autism, this space goes beyond just providing therapy rooms. It’s about creating a sensory-friendly, welcoming, and creative environment where young people can feel safe, comfortable, and empowered to express themselves freely.

SECTION PLAN

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ZONING & ROUTES

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Site

For the best performance of an Art Therapy space to be settled, I have chosen a feasible historical hall at west Pollokshields based on its compounded structure and surroundings.

The Pollokshields Burgh Hall is a A-listed municipal building at the edge of Maxwell Park, Glasgow, Scotland. The burgh hall, which was briefly the headquarters of Pollokshields Burgh Council. Nowadays, Pollokshields Burgh Hall is a charming and historic venue in Glasgow. Situated in the grounds of Maxwell Park, the hall offers a serene and picturesque setting, which is ideal for therapeutic activities. Also, the park provides additional outdoor space for therapy sessions and activities.

LOCATION PLAN- ACCESSIBILITY

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POLLOKSHIELDS BURGH HALL- HANDDRAWING

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Ground Floor

ENTRANCE

The reception area located once enter the main entrance. The minor wall has been removed in order to connect the two spaces into one, providing sight for people waiting for check-in at the seating area. The space is arranged with comfort in mind, the upholsteries symbolise the theme colours of the centre. Most importantly, there is a logo wall facing the entrance, which allowed visitors to capture the information at the first sight as walking into the centre. Visitors can feeling comfortable and cared when they are welcomed by the soft lights and greens.
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BESPOKEN RECEPTION AREA DETAIL

The height of the consult desk is wheelchair-friendly and children-friendly. And the materials are chosen to be safe, durable, matte (to avoid glare and visual overstimulation), and impact-resistant if possible.
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CORRIDOR DETAILS- SOUTH ELEVATION

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CORRIDOR DETAILS- NORTH ELEVATION

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CORRIDOR

After the initial assessment at the reception area, patients will be led to the proceeding process, art therapy session. Whether choosing individual therapy, group therapy, or sensory experience, they all have to pass through this corridor. This long hallway has the most historical elements preserved, the stone arches, doors, pediments, beams, wooden wainscoting, and columns were kept. The symmetrical design of the original interior is very aesthetically pleasing and distinctive. Also, to serve as the main transitional space that connecting multiple functional rooms, the directory role of it is crucial, so I applied colourful signages to it. With the approach of adaptive reuse in mind, I tried best to install the modern sign plates without blocking and damage the original structure.
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WAITING AREA & CONFERENCE ROOM

The conference room shares the same plate with parents waiting area where they can sit and rest to waiting their young-aged children during day session. It is positioned in a peaceful spot with bright sunlight coming down from the skylight above, and a expansive view to look down to the lower ground floor. The form of the conference room is very distinctive that composed of a semi-open acoustic shell and privacy seating. In this area, visitors are allowed to do their own business, even a phone call would not bother much. And after their children’s day session, they will have a short conference with therapists.
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INDIVIDUAL THERAPY ROOM

The Individual Therapy Room at groud floor level offers a quiet, private environment tailored for one-on-one therapeutic sessions. It is designed to be calming and secure, featuring soft furnishings, acoustic insulation, and adjustable lighting. Accomodating 2-3 people at a time, this space allows for deeper emotional work in a safe setting, accommodating both verbal counselling and individualized art-based interventions. Most importantly, for those who are not comfortable around groups of people, or having mental disorders that are unable to engage with social activities, this room is ideal for them to work on their own therapeutic process.
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The group therapy room is designed as a collaborative space where adolescents can engage in expressive therapies such as drawing, painting, and collage. It is the largest room in the therapy centre, representing the heart of this building, so does the original building. Most of the significant historical structure are in this hall, which I have to avoid damaging them and incorporate with the new designs.

EXPLOSION DIAGRAM- GROUP THERAPY ROOM

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ZONE A

for closed group therapy/ discussion
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ZONE B&C

ZONE B- for teaching/ group collaboration ZONE C- for open group therapy (painting & drawing)
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ZONE D

for open group therapy (others 2D arts)
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Lower Ground Floor

STAIRCASE

These stairs are designed to capture more sight and enlarge the space horizontally due to its suspended and airy features. Besides, the handrail is also considerably designed for children who are shorter to grip, ensuring their safety in the space. All stairs and handrails are calculated to meet the ergonomical regulations.
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HALLWAY

The hallway serves as a gentle transition between therapy zone and recreational zone. Designed with soft lighting, striking bright colours, and clear directory signages, it reduces overstimulation and provides visual continuity throughout the centre.
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GROUP THERAPY ROOM

The Group Therapy Room (3D Workshop) provides a more tactile environment where users can explore sculpture, clay, and other hands-on media. This space is equipped with durable work surfaces, tool storage, and easy-to-clean materials, supporting the therapeutic process through physical interaction with materials. The aim is to help participants externalize emotions and develop sensory integration through creative, three-dimensional expression.
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MEDIA ROOM- MODE 1

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MEDIA ROOM- MODE 2

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BREAK ROOM

The Break Room is a quiet, informal area where adolescents can rest and self-regulate between therapy activities. The main purpose of this area is for reading but it can also be playful. Outfitted with soft seating, books, and sensory tools, the room aims to support emotional recovery and reduce overwhelm, especially for neurodivergent users who benefit from downtime in a low-stimulation setting.
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LOUNGE

The Lounge functions as a warm, semi-private space for relaxing, eating lunch, or casual interaction. Designed to be inviting and comfortable, it includes cozy seating, cafe tables, and wide sightlines to help users and their families feel at ease before or after therapy. The lounge encourages informal connection and a sense of community within the centre.
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OUTDOOR SPACE

Located on the edge of Maxwell park, this building shares a small part of green space the the park, where it connected the north side of the lower ground floor. the Outdoor Garden offers a dedicated eco-therapy space that connects users with nature in a sensory-rich environment. Designed for activities such as planting, gardening, mindfulness exercises, and light movement, the garden promotes mental restoration, grounding, and emotional balance. Also, there are some playful facilities and seatings for relax. It reinforces the centre’s commitment to holistic healing, extending therapeutic practice beyond the interior spaces.
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Floor Plans

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