Design Challenge
Explore a significant question or challenging issue of your choosing in interior design. Through readings and field studies, students formulate and carry out an individual investigation under faculty supervision and critique. Findings are presented in a written or graphic document and evidence-based design project.
Research Summary
In American culture, women and their “village” heavily prepare for a baby, but the realities of postpartum care are taboo, unspoken, and often unplanned for. The US maternal mortality rate far exceeds those of other high-income nations and is more than doubled for African American women (Gunja, 2024). Mental health conditions are the leading cause of maternal mortality (Trost, 2022).
American mothers need to be better supported and prepared for their postpartum recovery.
The following interventions have been identified to improve postpartum maternal health outcomes:
Project Concept
A regulated and compassionate place of respite for the perinatal journey. A new concept focused on supporting maternal wellness through mentoring, education, and mental healthcare. Offering both day programs and overnight accommodations, with medically trained and licensed newborn care, in an environment designed to delight new mothers and their partners with the comfort and support they
need to feel well.
need to feel well.
