Connecting People to Nature Through Trauma-Informed Design

Nature has an unmatched ability to heal, and architecture can be the bridge that brings that healing into everyday life. At Elevatus Architecture, we design spaces that connect people to the outdoors because we know wellness begins with the environment. Trauma-informed principles guide us to create settings where natural light, fresh air, and green spaces are not luxuries but essential elements of dignity, autonomy, and recovery. By weaving courtyards, terraces, and open-air pathways into our designs, we normalize choice and empower individuals to find comfort and calm in spaces that nurture both body and mind.

This commitment is evident across our projects.

At Electric Works, rooftop terraces on Buildings 19 and 26 provide panoramic city views and flexible spaces for work or events, offering employees openness and control.

Dynamo Alley serves as the campus’s vibrant spine, paved with thousands of bricks and framed by tree-lined courtyards that invite movement and connection. This dynamic outdoor corridor hosts farmers markets, bike rallies, and community gatherings, blending history with wellness and social engagement.

The Union Street Market extends its food hall outdoors with a yard and performance stage, seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor experiences.

At Birdie’s atop The Bradley Hotel, we embraced the city skyline with an open-air rooftop lounge designed for casual gatherings and quiet moments of connection. Layered in natural wood, bright fabrics, and comfortable seating, it’s a space that invites fresh air, natural light, and connection to the outdoors, fostering good vibes and a sense of belonging.

YMCA Kokomo Exterior

At the Kokomo Family YMCA, we reinforced downtown’s walkable fabric with an exterior courtyard and creative pathways designed for community activities like outdoor fitness classes and color runs — spaces that encourage movement, belonging, and joy.

an image of an outdoor patio

Our golf course clubhouses also embrace this approach. At Sycamore Hills Golf Club, the Members Grille opens to a veranda framed by a stone fireplace and colonnade overlooking the 18th green, while Briar Ridge Country Club’s dining spaces flow to patios with sweeping views of the course. These transitions create opportunities for social connection and restorative experiences in nature.

Our work at the YWCA Hefner Center shelter reflects the same philosophy. A secure outdoor courtyard, tucked within the heart of the facility, offers a calming refuge for individuals facing stressful situations. This space promotes mental and physical well-being, helping lower cortisol levels and reduce anxiety while providing a sense of safety and privacy for those in crisis.

Every design decision, from sightlines and accessibility to natural integration, supports psychological safety and autonomy.

By blending architectural expertise with behavioral health insight, Elevatus creates environments that normalize experiences and offer choice, making outdoor spaces a vital component of healing and quality of life.

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Dec 08

Interior Design Strategies to Modernize Recreation and Fitness Spaces

Megan Knecht's Author Photo
Megan Knecht

Discover how thoughtful interior design modernizes recreation and fitness spaces, creating inclusive, vibrant hubs for community and wellness.