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Fiona Beenkens, architect

Hello, 

As a master student, I proposed to write à thesis treating the subject of mental health. The subject would have been something like this : how to create mindful spaces in the busy city life? As an architect, how do I create spaces that help us disconnect?
 

Guess what?

The subject was rejected.
In order for my thesis to pass in front of a jury, these are the exact words used back then, I would have to remove the word MINDFULNESS from my title. Because you know…that would just scare the jury off and reduce my chances of succeeding.

I quit.
I really did.

After 5 long years of studying architecture I decided to put my own mental health first. Maybe the architectural world was just not ready to accept they had a role to play when it came to mental health.

And then Covid happened. Suddenly, mental health became a primarily concern. Suddenly, my thesis subject was good enough for this world. I was and I am still convinced that architects have a huge role to play in terms of mental health. Understanding how the places we live in, we work in and we sleep in, influence our brain is for me one of the keys of the design of tomorrow.

And this is the exact reason why I pushed myself back behind my computer and started wrighting this thesis. A thesis that researched neuro-architecture : understanding how our brain reacts to space.

End of the story : my thesis ended up being a success because it was relevant at that moment in time. But honestly, hasn’t it been relevant for years now ?

"Architecture and wellbeing... two worlds that seemed so far away are in fact inseparable."

Neuro-architecture

Neuro-Architecture came my way when I had to rationally justify subtle phenomena. The jury, in architecture, was looking for science and tangible proof. This allowed me to immerse myself in understanding the reactions of the brain in space. The collaboration between neuroscientists and architects holds great promise for the evolution of mental health.

My education:

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Architecture

Gratuated in architecture at the KULeuven.

2015-2022

My studies in Architecture allowed me to have a real understanding of space, materials, structure and construction. These studies provide me with a theoretical and Cartesian knowledge of planning, which allows me to maintain a balance between the subtle and the rational.

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Neuro-architecture

Published thesis : the importance of mental health in the city of tomorrow.

2021

Neuro-Architecture came my way when I had to rationally justify subtle phenomena. The jury, in architecture, was looking for science, concrete. This allowed me to immerse myself in understanding the reactions of the brain in space. The collaboration between neuroscientists and architects holds great promise for the evolution of mental health.

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Habitat Thérapie®

Certified of the complete cycle including notions of Feng Shui and the psychology of colors.

2021

Habitat therapy has revolutionized my life. It allows me to add a real therapeutic dimension to the practice of architecture. It makes it possible to design spaces taking into account each person's history. Habitat therapy allows you to understand a situation, act and heal. It's magic.

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 BetterAtHome and partners 

Improving mental health is a life long journey. BetterAtHome partnered up with major agents in BENELUX in the field of wellbeing at work to give you the most holistic approach. 

WorkInJoy

Improves Wellbeing In companies in Brussels and Wallonia since 2015

Workinjoy, bien-être en entreprise

Energylab

Improves Wellbeing In companies in Brussels and Wallonia since 2015

Energylab, keynote on home office design, work from home keynote

Good Habitz

Online training courses for companies

Goodhabitz, wellbeing at work, hybrid working, mental health
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