Key points

Dark corners, mazes, glare, and loud noises can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms or flashbacks.

Features that support situational awareness reduce the likelihood of triggering flashbacks.

Outdoor views, open floor plans, well-lit staircases, rounded corners, and diffuse light reduce flashbacks.

Designs that reduce PTSD triggers also incorporate features that support integrative health.

Soldier suffering military trauma memories. Source: Yuri A/Shutterstock

A health care provider in a war zone e-mailed me recently with an urgent request: to advise on the design of a clinic for war victims suffering from mental trauma or post- traumatic stress disorder. As daunting as the challenge seemed, I had done this before. A wealth of studies has shown that certain

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