Supporting Recovery Through Design: A Translational Application of the Neuroscience of Eating Disorders to a Treatment Facility

This research will 1) review findings in eating disorder research across key themes associated with restorative care as a first step to developing research informed goals and translational design considerations for environmental interventions in eating disorder service settings, 2) share research conducted with patients and staff to capture the eating disorder patient experience, and 3) describe how evidence was applied to guide the programming and design of a residential treatment center, Eating Recovery Center in Denver, Colorado.

Findings from this literature review and data collection will be summarized as associated key design goals and research-informed design strategies, linked with specific attributes of eating disorders. The translational application of such strategies will be illustrated in the dining spaces and community spaces and art selection at Eating Recovery Center’s newest residential facility.