Methods of designing interior design of rooms of psychological relief

Tregubova Ol'ga Vladimirovna ORCID: 0009-0000-6170-4296 Lecturer; Kirov branch of the autonomous non-profit Organization of Higher Education; Moscow University of Humanities and Economics Postgraduate student; Department of Design; Institute of Contemporary Art, Moscow Art Director; OOO design studio 'Five Stars' Kirov, Chapaeva St., 13, kv 120 olga_vladimirovna2811@mail.ru

In research on psychology, pedagogy, medicine, sociology and other sciences, both in Russia and abroad, the effectiveness of using psychological relaxation rooms has been proven in order to "optimize psychological processes", restore and maintain "emotional health" ^{[3, 6]}. The issue of the organization of psychological relief rooms and its technical equipment was dealt with by such scientists as O.V. Bogdanov, O.V. Denisova, A.G. Kirillov, P.A. Smirnov, L.M. Filipova, A.N. Yashkova and others, who widely discussed the topic of rehabilitation and rehabilitation measures in sensory rooms and psychological relief rooms, as well as The use of a set of professional equipment for the work of psychologists was proposed ^[2,6,9,11]. Creating a favorable emotional environment in the psychological relaxation room is a prerequisite for the effective work of a psychologist. On the issue of creating a subject-spatial environment in such rooms, most scientists refer to the methodological recommendations of Ya.N. Vorobeichik "Psychological Relief Room", published in 1989, which describes a typical set of tools that form a comfortable subject-spatial environment ^[4]. The choice of means and techniques for shaping the interior of psychological relief rooms in the above source are recommended for all rooms, without taking into account the stress-forming factor or the multiplicity of their nature.

The need for psychological relief rooms in various institutions is explained in medicine and pedagogy in order to relieve emotional stress caused by various stress-forming factors. These factors may be related to the profession, to nervous emotional work (for example, the profession of a judge); with the specifics of age (for example, children in adolescence, elderly people in nursing homes), with the peculiarities of living (for example, sailors, shift workers, children in boarding schools); under the influence of geoclimatic conditions (for example, conditions Far North); with various injuries, health problems and other factors. Separate programs are being developed in psychology to compensate for the negative effects of each stress-forming factor. The surrounding object-spatial environment is able to influence a person, interact with him and form an emotional state, which is proved in the works of such scientists as E.V. Shakirova, M.N. Gavrilova, T.V. Poidina, Peter Barrett and many others ^[1,5,7,12]. Consequently, the object-spatial environment of psychological relaxation rooms is an effective tool in shaping the emotional and sensory state of the visitor to this room. Interior design for rooms of such functionality will be most effectively developed if the "technical task" for the design is completed with the participation of a practicing psychologist, he will be able to identify and identify the main stress-forming factors, which can be compensated by adaptive interior space. In the practice of developing public institutions, the terms of reference are usually drawn up by the Customer or investor, who, without professional psychologists, cannot fully highlight the problems that the project team will have to work on to compensate for the consequences by creating a design of the object-spatial environment, as one of the existing tools that can be used in the work of psychologists. The lack of co-designing (interior designers and psychologists) when working on the design of psychological relaxation rooms was shown by an analysis of photographs and projects that are freely available. The visual analysis of the interior spaces of this typology carried out by the author was carried out in institutions of various functions (School No. 50 in Magnitogorsk; in the 133rd children's city polyclinic in Moscow; psychological relief room at Kazan Federal University) showed that most of the interiors of psychological relief rooms, regardless of stress-forming factors, are made in a unified design, with saturation of the object-spatial environment with professional sensory and other equipment for the work of psychologists. That is, most modern practicing psychologists do not use the characteristics of the object-spatial environment as a means of emotional and sensory influence ^[14-16]. The purpose of the institutions in which the psychological relief room is located allows us to determine the leading stress-forming factor. It is also assumed that due to various life circumstances, seeking the help of a psychologist may be associated with additional factors. The multiplicity of stress-forming factors creates the need for a transformable and adaptive interior space with the possibility of scenario management.

In the implementation of each function, it is proposed to use a set of interior tools, which may consist of "static" and adaptive ("scenario") tools that form the interior space. Static means that form the object-spatial environment include: - spatial planning solutions; - coloristics; - texture and texture row; - a visual and conceptual image. Adaptive interior design tools such as modern technologies allow you to create a changeable and manageable environment. These technologies can enhance the leading design function in psychological relaxation rooms, aimed at compensating for the underlying stress-forming factor. In the case of complex operation of several functions (multifunctional design), "scenario" interior design tools are able to manifest an additional function in the planned time period. Technological adaptive tools allow a psychologist to manage the environment like a director. The "scenario" means of interior design include: - lighting technologies (lighting scenarios); - acoustic technologies (acoustic scenarios); - video technologies (visual projections); - air and climate technologies (scenarios for controlling temperature, humidity, and air composition, including aromas).

Several design functions are involved in creating an emotionally comfortable object-spatial environment aimed at compensating for the leading stress-forming factors. In order to compensate for the leading stress-forming factor, the leading environmental function is determined, the implementation of which occurs using "static" means of creating a subject-spatial environment. The empirical and theoretical research method has shown that psychological relaxation rooms with a recreational function of the object-spatial environment are most in demand. Next, we will consider the complex work of "static" and "scenario-based" adaptive tools, in which the recreational function is basic and complemented by tools designed to implement other functions of the organization of the object-spatial environment. The recreational function of the design is aimed at creating conditions for relaxation and recovery. The purpose of this function is to provide conditions for the restoration and strengthening of physical and spiritual health. Traditionally, the function of recreation of a "quiet" or calm nature dominates in psychological relaxation rooms. To implement the recreational function, the compositional solution is based on the principle of harmonization. It is thanks to this principle that the complex of applied means forms an emotionally comfortable, restful and restorative object-spatial environment. The basics of the principle of harmonization were described in detail by V.T. Shimko, highlighting its following characteristic aspects: "repeatability of properties; subordination of parts, their proportionality is proportional and rhythmic; balance with respect to the axis of composition; synthesis of previous features in the principle of unity of the visual organization of the object" ^{[13, p.198]}. Next, let's look at how static and adaptive (scenario) tools work in psychological relief rooms.

"Static" means of forming a recreational function in the interior:

1. A visual and conceptual image. The most common visual image for psychological relaxation rooms is natural landscapes. Those images of nature that visitors are already familiar with in reality and that form a positive associative series will be harmoniously perceived. Ideally, landscapes that visitors have seen during a direct personal visit or whose location corresponds to an association with relaxation, comfort and coziness are considered the most suitable (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1.

Fig. 1. Recognizable natural landscapes. The project of the psychological relief room. 5-Star design studio. Source: ^[17]

The harmony of the visual image is formed due to the unity in details, materials and forms. In nature, most shapes are asymmetrical. Radial, smooth shapes in the decoration of walls, ceilings and furniture are associated with the naturalness of natural forms. The chosen asymmetrical shapes are maintained and repeated not only in the surfaces of walls and ceilings, but also in furniture and decor items. Natural or stabilized plants matching the chosen landscape motif are welcome. For example, coniferous forest – stabilized moss, wild berries and flowers, and so on. (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2.

Smooth, asymmetrical shapes. The project of the psychological relief room. 5-Star design studio. Source: ^[17]

2. Spatial planning solutions. In order to achieve a gradual immersion in the atmosphere of relaxation, an adjacent enfilade-type passage room is needed, through which visitors will pass on their way to a room with a recreational function. The auxiliary room should be of secondary importance, smaller in size, and designed in the same style as the main room. The planning decision for the placement of seating groups for visitors should be made in such a way that visual images of natural landscapes and views from windows do not simultaneously fall into the visual horizon area. It is necessary to choose one natural dominant.

3. Coloristic solutions. A warm pastel (not contrasting) color palette is desirable, consisting of two or three colors that best match the natural theme in the room, which can be traced in most interior elements.

4. Texture and texture series. It must match the selected visual and conceptual image. For example, if the design concept is based on forests, mountains, and other natural landscapes, then the following textures and textures are possible: brushed wood in furniture or decoration, decorative plasters on walls with the effect of sand, stone textures, and others.

"Scenario" means of interior design that work to enhance or manifest the effect of a recreational function, if the recreational function is additional:

1. Lighting scenarios. Light sources controlled by brightness and color temperature will allow you to adjust the lighting appropriate to the landscape. Depending on the time of year and day, visitors' need for lighting scenarios may vary: in winter, in the Central European part of Russia or in the Far North, the effect of bright summer sunlight evokes positive emotions. For southern regions or for office workers, dim lighting with the "setting sun" effect is more enjoyable. Reflected light from hidden light sources is most favorably perceived in the context of the biophilic effect.

2. Acoustic scenarios. Planning and design solutions block all sources of external sound. In the psychological relaxation room with the recreation function, the sounds of nature are evenly distributed in accordance with the landscape motif. For example, if a natural story is integrated into the interior in the form of an interior waterfall, the acoustic accompaniment in this case is the sounds of gurgling water (Fig. 3). If the natural story is replaced, for example, by video projection, the audio content must match the video image. What creates the effect of maximum immersion in the natural environment

Fig. 3.

A natural scene in the form of an interior waterfall. The project of the psychological relief room. 5-Star design studio. Source: ^[17]

Modern video technologies allow you to immerse yourself in a realistic projection of a natural story, complementing or changing landscape images in the interior. Resizable or visually augmented images are more enjoyable than static plots.

4. Air and climate scenarios. They should also be close to the natural ones. Air quality, oxygen saturation, air humidity – 45 +/- 5 %, natural aromas – all this will help in forming a feeling of closeness with nature. Modern smart technologies make it possible to create various climate scenarios. A harmoniously organized complex work of "static" and "scenario-based" means of forming a recreational environment can evoke emotions and an associative series similar to staying in a natural environment, forming a sense of relaxation and pleasure. The recreational function, as a basic one in the interior space of the psychological relief room, will help to compensate for the negative effects of stress-forming factors for knowledge workers and other professions, representatives of professions with high psychological stress, for people living in the Far North, or in other difficult domestic or geoclimatic conditions.

With the help of adaptive "scenario" tools, the recreational function can be supplemented with such functions as: hedonistic, communicative, socializing, adaptive and other design functions. Let's consider an example of the implementation of multifunctional work in a combination of recreational and hedonistic functions. The hedonistic function of design is aimed at realizing the need associated with the need to "contemplate and master the beautiful" ^{[8, p.40]}. The purpose of this function is to create conditions for the harmonious development of personality, maintaining spiritual health through positive emotions resulting from contemplation of beauty and participation in the creative process. Visiting museums with various types of art is one of the types of recreation. It is after contemplating the beautiful that a person strives for self-realization in the creative process, since the success of others is usually inspiring. However, not all the works of art that we see are perceived as a standard of beauty, since each person has his own idea of the ideal, which requires a personalized approach.

In the practice of psychologists, art therapy based on creative activities is often used. People with different emotional states come to the psychological relaxation rooms, which is also the reason for choosing a personalized approach with the possibility of using "scenario-based" interior design tools that allow targeted motivation and involvement in the creative process. The compositional design of the psychological relaxation room is based on the principle of visual significance in order to realize a hedonistic function. Thanks to this principle, adaptive "scenario" design tools will attract and focus attention to the desired visual images, which are the standard of beauty and evoke pleasure from contemplating this image in specific people. The basics of the principle of visual significance were described by American neurodesign researcher Darren Bridger and include the following aspects: the visual image of the "anchor" image corresponds to a set of positive associations; a harmonious compositional solution based on subordination to the leading accent; drawing attention to the semantic accent using techniques based on neurodesign ^{[3, pp.19-25]}.

Further, as an example, a set of adaptive tools based on therapy related to visual arts (drawing) is proposed. A visual and conceptual image of an interior: rooms that reproduce the image of a museum hall; expositions or rooms of a personal nature (houses, apartments) of art connoisseurs, with an exposition of works of art in the interior; as well as images of creative workshops. All these rooms are united by the original functionality of the exhibition space, in which, according to a certain scenario, art samples are presented for inspection and evaluation by guests or visitors. Attracting accentuating attention that arouses interest and generates positive emotions is possible using the following "scenario" means:

1. Lighting scenarios. The realization of the need to create the first visual communication by attracting attention through an accentuated, directional light source. The main lighting is dimmed and a brighter than the main light source with a warm color temperature is directed at the painting or illustration. In order to provide a novelty effect for new sessions of contemplation therapy and realization through creativity. The novelty effect evokes positive emotions upon first acquaintance with the image ^{[3, p. 32]}. Landscape scenes that are close to the visitor's place of residence will cause the greatest visual salience. The use of directional light sources in the area of the creative process and in an image with the same technical characteristics (brightness and color temperature) under subdued primary lighting will create a visual and emotional connection between the source of inspiration and the image created by the visitor.

2. Acoustic technology. An audio series created for a specific image and transmitted into the object-spatial environment using an acoustic system is able to form the necessary associations and a motivating mood for the creative process.

3. Video technology. The integration of large-format interactive panels or screens into the interior will make it possible to perform a story video broadcast related to the work of art. Moving images (animated paintings and other subjects), a video broadcast about the history of the creation of the painting and other subjects will create the necessary creative mood for work.

4. Air and climate technologies. Aromatherapy using an air-climate system using odors associated with the image will allow visitors to use their sense of smell. With the help of "scenario" tools, it is possible to use the maximum number of human feelings, evoke a palette of diverse positive emotions and inspire the creative process. The realization of the hedonistic function of the design of the object-spatial environment can be carried out with the help of "scenario" adaptive means, if necessary, included in the interior, created using the basic "static" means of forming the design of a psychological relief room.

Summarizing the above, we can conclude that the object-spatial environment of psychological relief rooms is an effective tool in compensating for stress-forming factors. The interior of such rooms is most effective as a means to complement the work of a professional psychologist if he is adaptive, able to adapt to specific tasks and becomes multifunctional. A clear definition of a possible multifunctional purpose based on the identified stress-forming factors is possible with collaborative design, especially at the stage of formation of the "terms of reference".

The ability to select and use different design functions within the same room increases the effectiveness of the psychologist's work. Adaptive "scenario-based" interior solutions allow you to create personalized conditions for a psychologist to work with various stressful factors. The use of this technique in design activities during the development of interior spaces in several children's institutions (in a boarding school in the village of Yar-Sale; in the Oryol special educational institution of a closed type; in the Talitsky children's sanatorium KOGBUZ "Regional clinical Tuberculosis dispensary"), in the rooms of psychological relief rooms, gave a positive response from professional psychologists involved together with the creative team in the development of the interior design of these institutions.