It is estimated that 1.2 % of the UK’s population suffer with an obsessive compulsive disorder, potentially around 741,504 people living with OCD at a time, 50% of which are considered to be severe. The disorder itself has been ranked in the top ten of the most disabling illnesses in terms of lost earnings and quality of life. OCD affects not only those with the disorder but also those who are part of their daily lives. Various forms of OCD treatments are available and centres for those with anxiety disorders are common, Belmont works will focus solely on the recovery of those with OCD using a combination of traditional therapy alongside non traditional methods such as herbal treatments, yoga, mindfulness meditation and tai- chi. Belmont Works will provide a retreat space for a small number of guests, allowing staff and professionals to cater to the individual needs of each guest. Belmont Works will also welcome those close to each guest during the day for group and family therapy, enabling the healing process to continue once the guest has left Belmont Works.

The architecture itself will aid in the healing process of its guests. Common OCD triggers will be incorporated and designed within the design, exposing guests to their “fears”, helping them to control the OCD. In addition, the design will need to be been strongly influenced by the five different manifestations of OCD; contamination, counting and organising, hoarding OCD, checking OCD and thoughts/rumination OCD. Spaces will be designed specifically for each form of OCD, aiding the recovery of each guest as an individual.

The term OCD is constantly used in causal used in conversation; this has caused common misconception of the disorder and has significantly reduced the seriousness of OCD. OCD is a form of an anxiety disorder where the fears of the sufferer manifests itself in different forms, they are aware that their thoughts are irrational, yet in order to relieve the fear and anxiety, repetitive rituals or compulsions are undertaken, consuming hours the sufferers time. However, relief is often short lived and reinforces the original obsession, worsening the OCD cycle.

Built in 1899 Belmont works is an abandoned factory in Birmingham close to the City Centre and surrounded by the Birmingham City University campus and the Millennium Point. The building was once used as a factory to manufacture bicycle tyres for Eccles Tyre Cycle Company and has had many other uses until it was closed. A fire in 2007 caused the building damage to its current state, and is in need of repair in order to make it safe and fully usable again. Belmont Row stands out on Birmingham’s skyline and is well known in due to its central location and surrounding buildings.