‘Without good mental health, people feel unable or less able to carry out activities of daily living, including self-care, education, employment and participation in social life.’ (SDG target 3.4)

90% occupants of inadequate housing suffer from mental health issues. An inadequate housing dwelling provides an average area of 6 sq.m little more than a bed, which may not even be enough for sleeping and is far from ideal to rest in. In fact, the lack of resting space is Hong Kong peoples’ daily life. Studies found that exposure to long term stress without sufficient rest may cause burn out. LAY designs space with multiple stress-relieving elements, such as sound, visuals and odour of nature, providing tranquility for users to relieve stress and in long term reduce risk of health issues. LAY focuses on early intervention to avoid the high costs of emotional therapy. With the previous prototype of designing a personal emotional haven, users’ subjective wellbeing has increased in 30% (from 6.3 to 8.2).

LAY Anywhere is being developed as a portable installation that can be easily deployed in different NGOs for the target beneficiaries, so that the service can be extended to benefit more people. It provides immersive, convenient breaks for the underprivileged that suit their availability. This is facilitated by using VR to break through the walls and immerse in a virtual and natural environment. Other technologies would also be applied to improve the effectiveness. LAY Anywhere would be deployed in the NGOs serving the occupants of inadequate housing. It is easy to install and demolish, without NGOs having to commit to assign a permanent space. It also reduces the costs of renovation.

Wellness should not be for those who can afford it only but for everyone. By providing the Personal Emotional Haven to users, the occupants of inadequate housing can relieve stress. As supported by studies this would reduce the medical cost to society due to long term stress of workers.

^Invited team from Innovator Farm

組長
Team Leader
邱美玲
YAU Mei Ling (PolyU)

組員
Team Member
梁振豪
LEUNG Chun Ho (HKBU)
陳蔚琪
CHAN Wai Ki (PolyU)
黃倩桐
WONG Sin Tung (CityU)

院校顧問
Faculty Advisor
吳茂蔚
NG Mau Wai (PolyU)

Website
layspace.hk