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How MOA is Paving the Way for Healing Spaces
In today’s world, where children are increasingly faced with mental health challenges, the need for innovative solutions is more urgent than ever. MOA Architecture, a renowned firm based in Denver, has taken a critical step forward by reimagining the role design plays in mental health support at schools like Traverse Academy. Spearheaded by Katie Vander Putten, the project aims to create a therapeutic learning environment for students in grades 4–12 facing acute mental health issues—ranging from severe trauma to transitional anxiety.
“After COVID, suicide became one of the leading causes of death among students in some districts,” Vander Putten highlighted. With the number of facilities for youth mental health care dwindling across Colorado, MOA’s initiative at Traverse Academy aims to bridge the gap between education and healing.
Innovative Design: A Collaborative Process
What sets Traverse Academy apart isn't merely its function but its thoughtful, student-centric design. The building is divided into three distinct wings tailored to support varying levels of student needs: Severe, Moderate, and Transitional. This innovative layout allows students to receive targeted support based on their specific challenges and readiness for reintegration into traditional schooling.
Vander Putten emphasizes the importance of involving students in the design process. Instead of relying solely on typical architectural layouts, the team conversed with students, envisioning their experiences and feelings as they walked through the doors. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of respect and empowerment, helping to create a space that resonates with their needs.
A Welcoming Environment that Comforts
Traverse Academy seamlessly integrates therapeutic and educational elements into a singular environment aimed at healing. Imagine stepping into a space that resembles a cozy coffee shop rather than the sterile confines of a traditional waiting room. Natural light, vibrant colors, and flexible spaces invite students to reclaim control over their surroundings. “Children wouldn’t want to walk into a cold waiting room with fluorescent lights,” Vander Putten points out; they need spaces that feel safe and welcoming.
Additionally, the academy includes designated areas that cater to different coping mechanisms. For internalizers who may withdraw, calming corners with soothing activities are available. Conversely, externalizers are provided spaces equipped with climbing walls and even punching bags to release pent-up emotions. Every detail is intentionally chosen to support trauma-informed responses, acknowledging the intricate ways trauma manifests in children's lives.
Creating a Movement Towards Better Mental Health Support
The effects of the Traverse Academy initiative extend well beyond its walls. The dialogue generated around this project has sparked interest at national education conferences and architecture circles, highlighting the importance of mental health support within educational frameworks. MOA intends to inspire other institutions to embrace these principles and create similar environments conducive to learning and emotional well-being.
The Future of Educational Architecture
As we look to the future, the necessity for facilities like Traverse Academy cannot be overstated. With increasing recognition of mental health issues in students, educational institutions must adapt and evolve to meet these modern challenges. Inspired by the success of Traverse Academy, schools across the nation are encouraged to consider how their environments impact student well-being.
In the end, when kids feel respected by their environment, they are more likely to thrive academically and emotionally. “We wanted students to walk in and think: They built this for me. They care about me,” Vander Putten concludes. This collective effort paves the way for a healthier future—one where mental health is prioritized alongside education.
Act Now: Champion Mental Health Awareness
As we reflect on the significance of initiatives like the Traverse Academy, it's essential to understand that change begins with us. Advocate for mental health awareness in your community, support legislation that prioritizes mental health resources in schools, and engage in conversations that highlight the importance of holistic approaches to education. Together, we can foster environments where every child has the opportunity to heal and learn.
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