senses.

Depersonalization/derealization (DP/DR) is a mental disorder that causes an individual to feel a distinct disconnection between their mind, body and reality. It is a trauma and anxiety related disorder in which an extremely distressing situation causes the mind to disassociate as a response. In turn, an individual may seem as though they are on ‘auto-pilot’ or as if they are stuck in a dream-like state. Furthermore, the individual can become aware of this dissociative state and become more fearful or anxious, causing more distress, and therefore caging them inside their mind in a never-ending nightmare.

The conceptual design “senses.” is driven by mindful techniques that encourages an individual to become present in their reality. It focuses on mindful techniques, specifically using the sensory experience to allow them to escape their anxious minds and rather become focused in their surroundings and reality. The design takes the occupant through 3 distinct stages that can bring them into full presence as a resolution. Senses begins in the ‘Sounds”, to the “Haptic”, and lastly, to the “Visual”. The planning of the space takes inspiration from unique sensations brought by DPDR, such as disconnection, hazing, and separation.