Zenab Mohammad

Vertebrae is a multi-disciplinary space that draws inspiration from the Nine Trades which aims to transform clinical environments and surroundings with a focus on healthcare. The new Nine Trades were reimagined as spaces through using materiality, light, colour and texture. The main driver for this project was the body, taking inspiration from the ribcage and spine as this is our bodies main structural support system. The overall development consisted of extracting shapes from the vertebrae and making connections with the site which benefited in the development of the overall design and the exterior structure. The project is located in Ninewells Hospital on level 7 entrance and corridor. It is currently a dark and gloomy environment with negative connotations, thus why I have decided to reimagine this site into an engaging and positive safe space. Hospitals are used for a variety of purposes, hence why it is important to make individuals feel safe within the clinical environment that is used daily. Vertebrae is focused on making connections and ensuring people are not apprehensive and allow them to start their journey of improving their mental health. The area is divided into 7 different zones, each of which serves a specific purpose in the context of therapy. Art therapy is used through light and colour which is translated throughout the 7 main spaces which include a Garden, Meet up space, Breakout space, Pods, Sanctuary, Nest and Reflection space.