ARCHITECTURE AS A HEALING ART

INTRODUCTION
Wellness is not just defined as being free from an illness but also as a state of
emotional well-being, that may foster spiritual development. Happiness plays an
important role in wellness and different people have different ideas about how to
achieve it. Healing places are real spaces where people find ways to become happier
and find support in reducing the stress induced by various causes.
Architecture is a phenomenon that defines the quality of the built environment
whilst
accommodating various functions. The quality of the spatial and functional
arrangements in a given dimension provides character to a place. Pallasmaa points
out that architecture is multi-sensory bringing the users closer to
things. The experiential value of architecture is serene and is accentuated with
the
interaction of the senses through movement and action in an environment
-Schulz, states that architecture relates to the spirit of a place – an environment
where man engages for his daily activities. Such a place can be defined by cosmic,
spiritual and natural qualities such as light, sound, air, water bodies, green
landscape, open-to-sky spaces and climatic conditions. Spirituality and
architecture are
interlinked where different layers lead to the creation of a holistic environment.
The
tactile and sensory nature of architecture enables man to integrate with the built
environment physically, psychologically and visually. These qualities of
architecture can be expressed as space that evokes and invokes spiritual responses
in people. These qualities can therefore be used to establish a spiritual place.

Health includes four categories: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual

wellbeing. High stress increases insomnia, headaches and chest pains and affects
their psycho-socio interaction. By creating spaces for psychoanalysis, we will be
able to contribute to reducing the negative impact of stress on the immune system
and potentially improve well-being. One of the most effective ways to make people
happier and less stressed is through a proper design of the place that surrounds
them which is claimed to have an effect on their health. Nature offers a natural
healing space. Colors, smells, noise and light are all major elements that affect
wellbeing. By designing spaces that reduce stress and anxiety, we can improve the
healing process and enhance well-being. This project will also design areas catered
for social support where residents and visitors may feel a sense of peace and
serenity

Often people claim to have no time, too many lists, and lists upon lists and decide
that it could not be possibly for them to find respite time to relax and meditate.
Yet the importance to find respite time cannot be understated, because of the
effects of stress that are well documented by medical studies including High blood
pressure, an inability to sleep, headaches, chest pain—that all have been cited as
consequences of high levels of stress
One of the most important spiritual tools for mindfulness is meditation, which has
been defined as a mind-body method through the centuries. In meditation, one learns
to focus their attention generating and relaxation strategies, which helps people
to treat stress and promote general health. Through meditating, one achieves
relaxation by listening and breathing. Unpleasant conditions will be gradually
taken down until they no longer exist. The balance of people’s mentality plays an
integral role in their health and this release of resistance will produce positive
changes.

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MOTIVATION/JUSTIFICATION OF STUDY

The word ‘spirituality’ derives from ‘spirit’. Spirit is often considered as

opposed to
matter. ‘Spirits’ are immaterial beings without a body. So in this sense, what is
not
material would be something without a body and would be considered spiritual,
according to Casaldáliga. The soul has the potential to attain consciousness after
being through
innumerable animal and human lives. The process of cleansing the mind from all
impressions, wrong education and habits is called the spiritual practice. The
latter
enables the individual to live eternally as a spirit. This state can be achieved if
one lives
in harmony with the laws of nature
Spirituality has been a interest in the life of the author for quite sometime. As a
spiritual seeker, the author has embarked on the journey that has led to a
profound understanding of the mind, body and senses. In this research, the
intention is
to discover the connection between architecture and spirituality as a healing aid.
Spiritual knowledge is critical in understanding oneself and others in an
environment. Architecture deals with spaces, people and their engagement in a
place. Spiritual architecture is serene as it
allows man to engage in nature and its immediate environment but with a strong
sense
of awareness of what he is surrounded with. However, my experience reveals a lack
of
built space conducive for effective spiritual practice. In spiritual architecture,
there is a
sense of order, discipline, geometry, proportion and simplicity. These qualities
can be
seen in the works of Tadao Ando who attempts to create a space that unites the body
and spirit.
The proposal centre is to assemble people of different backgrounds to
tread on an inner journey to discover their inner potentials, strengths, weaknesses
- in
fact being self-educated. With the influence of the material world, man has
detached
himself from his own roots and values. There is a need to understand the
architecture of
one’s body and how each organ operates to function better in the individual and how
the
body responds to the outside world. The result of this is proper reasoning,
appropriate actions, refinement of one’s qualities and rational thinking.
Meditation is a
science on its own to study. Architecture not only
induces the essence the spirituality, but it also creates a spirit of the place.
Architecture
may lead to an appropriate expression of identity of spirituality.
India is a country of historical and cultural background. There is a multiracial
community in a democratic society. There exists a
cultural mix of people who are not only engaged in religious practices but many of
them
are seeking beyond for personal spiritual connection for the good. The existing
spiritual centres in the country are proof to that. Spirituality is a universal
doctrine
and not community or religious-based. Spiritual knowledge can only be imparted
through an enlightened spiritual master who will devise appropriate spiritual
techniques
for the individuals. The topic of spirituality offers an opportunity to explore
various architectural
approaches in the research study. The existing architecture is less associated with
spirituality, in general. However, sacred architecture is based on spiritual
qualities of
elements that will enhance the spirit of place. This study will identify the
qualities
required to create a suitable place to conduct spiritual healing practices. Issues
and problems
will be identified with a thorough study to bring out possible recommendations
towards
a design solution.

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CONTRIBUTION TO KNOWLEDGE
There is little sensibility about the topic of spirituality currently in society.
Architecture
is an instrument via which a dialogue can be established between man and his
environment. Architectural qualities can be applied to create the spirit of the
place. The
research is twofold comprising spirituality and architecture. Both aspects are
studied in
relation to one another. Research on cultural and regional context has helped to
understand the fragmentations that exist. Architectural principles are applied to
synthesize ideas that will aid in creating a harmonious environment. Social and
urban
issues are viewed alongside psychological aspects. One of most important aspect of
study is that of the human body whose functions are less known to people. A
spiritual
insight of the different layers of the human body and the human senses was brought
forward. The current living society has failed in terms of education as a result of
which
all sorts of ills are present. The need for self-education is therefore important
as it
contributes towards changing the mindset of individuals. Architecture is pivotal by
designing responsive environments whereby the users engage harmoniously in space
and with one another. This research study contributes towards establishing
awareness of
architectural design when applied in a spiritual environment.

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The Problem
Quality life of people in Mumbai.
In the past, not only in western part of the world but also in the east the once
really discussed subject on stress anxiety is now often discussed in daily
conversations. The word stress household culture which is known for its values of
tolerance resistance peacefulness and Dharma are losing some of their cultural
capacity to absorb stress. Work stress has found its milieu Indian business
organizations and many other MNCs working from India spreading like cancer across
various levels and hierarchies’ employees. Mumbai 24/7 rhythm has earned many
names but there is growing realization the maximum city's never of sleep tag comes
at a costly price namely- stress. High stress levels result from the fast-paced
lifestyle people of Mumbai are faced to adopt
There is the lure of bigger salaries, better work culture. better infrastructure
and opportunities. But if one looks at aspects such as travelling like packed
sardines in trains, extra-long working hours and near-zero recreation facilities,
Mumbaikars don't have it easy.
Not surprisingly then, respondents in The Times Of India-IMRB Quality of Life
Survey perceived Mumbaikars as being most stressed among residents of eight mega-
cities. Mumbai scored a bleak 2 for the parameter Lifestyle (Relaxed) in the
category Peace of Mind. The reasons cited for causing stress vary from work related
issues like lack of support from the management, poor inter-personal relations,
demands of the role and task, challenging physical environment to individual-
related factors like personal health, low ability, low self-esteem, poor coping
skills, low resilience, workaholism and many more such factors. Some researchers
have also linked personality type with stress prone-ness.

According to various Mumbai based psychiatrist, the city's social fabric has
undergone a severe change. Its major ability was to absorb each and every section
of society and create its strengthening heterogeneity. But the same factor has now
resulted in ghettos based on communities or eating habits, etc.
Mumbaikars find it hard to nullify the harmful effects of stress as rest and
recreation is practically an alien concept here. One can blame it on transport or
the need for extra competitiveness that forces people to work more, but there is
practically no time to rejuvenate or relax. The margin between healthy and
unhealthy is becoming narrower. The strong middle-class quality of the city too is
being eroded. Worse, the extended family support system is no longer around. For
youngsters. celebrations mean heading to a bar.
Daily stress can become distress. When this distress becomes chronic, there is a
high chance of depression. A 2010 survey conducted I, the Indian Council for
Research on International Economic Relations found that India's rapid economic
expansion had boosted corporate profits and employee incomes. but had sparked a
surge of workplace stress and lifestyle diseases. 57 % workers in the corporate
sector in India (including Mumbai) reported an increase in stress over two years.
The focus on profitability stressed 45 % of Indian workers.

Modern life is full of hassles. deadlines. frustrations, and demands. For many
people, stress is so normal the, unfortunately it's became a way of life. Stress
isn't always bad. In small doses, it can help one perform under pressure and
motivate to do one's best. But continually running in an emergent mode the mind and
body pay the price. A heavy one that too.

Support, judgment, fear.

The study revealed 3 broad segments of people based on their attitudes towards
mental illness.
Social Inclusion:
A majority of respondents appreciate the importance of social support for people
with mental
illness, but while 68% agree that we have a responsibility to provide the best
possible care for
sufferers, the number of people who believe no one has the right to exclude people
with mental
illness from their neighborhoods is comparatively lower (57%).

----------------------------
Why should you be concerned?

There are many reasons why you should to be concerned about mental health and well-
being.
• Because they affect us all. It is estimated that one in five of all adults will
experience a mental health problem in their lifetime. This shows how common mental
health problems are Anyone can suffer a mental health problem.
Because they are a major public health burden. Studies from nearly every corner of
the world show that as much as 40% of all adults attending general health care
services are suffering from some kind of mental illness. Many of the people
attending general or community health services seek help for vague physical health
problems, which may be called 'psychosomatic' or something similar. Many of them
are actually suffering from a mental health problem.
Because mental health services are very inadequate. There is a severe shortage of
psychiatrists, psychologists and other mental health professionals in most
countries. These specialists spend most of their time caring for people who suffer
from severe mental disorders ('psychoses'). These are quite rare, but are also the
very diseases that the community associates with mental illness. Most people with
the much commoner types of mental health problems, such as depression or alcohol
problems, would not consult a mental health specialist. General health workers are
ideally placed to treat these illnesses.

-----------------------

Aim:
The aim of this dissertation is to research the qualities of architecture that will
influence the human physiological, psychological and spiritual well-being towards
establishing architectural guidelines that will facilitate spiritual practices for
healing.

Objectives:
These guidelines will be extracted from concepts, theories, precedents and case
studies, leading to the formulation of a brief
The main objective is to examine the spiritual qualities of the architecture that
are required to design a meditation center.
•To study the spatial attributes of healing buildings to understand higher power
experience
•To provide or develop ideas of spaces which will be free from any type of
religious perspectives but only the sacred spaces of architecture will be analyzed
• Apart from functional and spatial arrangements, psychological and social cultural
aspects will be investigated.
• Sensory experiences in architecture will be studied to understand the relation of
man and his environment.
• Architectural elements, will be areas of investigation to understand the factors
required to reinforce the quality and enhance the character of spaces created for
human occupation.

Scope:
It will be a place that evokes users to grow and change their state through the
harmonization of the mind, body and spirit.
It will break the routine rhythms and moments of daily life empowering its visitors
to take full measure of their bearings and ownership of their space.
To design a place to support physical or mental function of people.

Methodology
• To learn about the responses and reactions from the sub conscious mind about
every architectural
parameter segregated in distinct categories.
• Understanding how design and its form affects mind.
• To look at the case studies and research papers involving the architecture and
its
psychological implications and impact on mental healing.
• Studying the factors responsible for healing and how can they be managed by
meditation as well as build context.

--------------------------

Conclusion
Architectural qualities are important to improve and enhance a place towards
establishing a holistic environment. Man cannot be isolated from his environment
which
he is part and parcel of. The essence of spirituality focuses mainly on the quest
to search
for the true self where man engages in a process to discover the real nature of
consciousness. The true self has a profound identity as compared to that of the
outer
world which is ever changing. The tactile nature of architecture is of major
importance
in creating a place marveled by the individual’s interaction and experience. The
sociocultural,
environmental and physical issues will be tackled in an attempt to find the
appropriate design principles that will lead to the conception of a brief. Concepts
and
theories will be thoroughly researched and critically analyzed in order to extract
suitable
recommendations for the research questions posed in this study. The following
chapter
deals with a literature review that addresses the related theories and concepts
that are
supported by appropriate precedent studies.

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Qualities of Healing Places

One of the most significant elements in the well-being process is the physical
surrounding. Designing places to enhance healing properties through
green design would be beneficial to both individuals’ health and the planets. A
natural environment is essential for promoting calm and comfort as a means to
heal and it needs to be properly integrated into the built environment and truly
‘make room’ for it.

The idea that physical space contributes to healing was first published in a
science
magazine in 1984. It explained that having windows looking out to nature
in hospital rooms could affect healing and that there are differences in the speed
of recovery of patients whose beds were located in a room with a view of nature,
as opposed to a view of a wall. In the mid-twentieth century, the focus moved
away from the patients towards a treatment of the disease. The surrounding
environment
was often ignored while most of the focus was placed on using technology
to improve healing. However, in the nineteenth century, the use of large
windows and skylights in hospitals had a remarkable impact on the treatment
of illnesses by providing more natural light, air f ow, and access to the sounds
and smells of nature.

The mind-body connection to physical places can contribute to our well-being. The
built
environment can affect our emotions and the design of places plays an integral role
in this
regard. A built environment can be a simple physical space or it can be a place to
stimulate
the brain’s responses. We create an image in our minds of a place based on the
sense
of place. This is accomplished by receiving the information through what we see,
feel,
smell, and hear, that is, through all of our senses. The sense of place is created
in our brain-body and it is further influenced and conditioned by memories. It
can change based on location, weather, time, physical elements of space and
our moods, and can have an impact on our health. Indeed, physical surroundings
can change the mind-set and, consequently, the speed of healing. In this
context, there is a fundamental connection between the brain and the immune
system and through this communication our understanding of space results in a
positive impact on illness and healing.

Many features of the environment can affect our brains and bodies to improve
healing. Absorbing motivation by the sensing of surrounding places helps an
individual to see, hear, touch and smell, which in turn stimulate nerve cell
connections
that can affect the immune system and its ability to heal.

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Techniques for feeling better in healing spaces design

Sound and healing:

Sound and silence have a major influence on the brain, both electrically and
chemically, by having an effect on the nervous system, emotional responses to
the world, and to the nerve chemicals and hormones. Listening to music can
affect emotions and the ability of immune cells to deal with illness. Music is not
only a useful healer in the therapeutic sense but also eliminates noises that
cause stress in the hospital environment.

Senses and healing:

Aromatherapy is a healing treatment that combines two senses: touch and
smell. In the healing process, aromatherapy improves mood. Being close to an
object is fundamental in order to touch it and to feel its texture. The sense of
touch is a vital one to develop in order to connect with the world around us.
However, gathering information about the surrounding area requires using all
our senses, such as vision, hearing, smell, and touch. Each of these senses has
a particular role in defining what we perceive. Vision and hearing are the most
important senses for finding our way.

Meditation and healing:

Dalai Lama at the Society for Neuroscience and the Mind and Life released an
article in 2005 called: “The Use of Meditation in the Healing Process and Curing
Stress Related Illnesses”. In this paper, he describes the three main goals of
meditation for the improvement of health. These are increasing ethical discipline,
comprehension, and concentration; enhancing positive emotions like
warmth, love, peace, compassion, and reducing negative emotions. Meditation
is a unique brain activity which affects consciousness by focusing on breathing
and improving immune functions.

Gardens and healing:

Gardens have been a peaceful place of respite for people for centuries. This is
seen in such examples as the myth of the Garden of Eden, the gardens along
the ancient Silk Road of Persia, and in India, China, and Japan. Both positive
and negative emotions can be attached to a place. We are all part of the world
and we can create places to help us live in harmony with the environment.
Surrounding areas have a huge effect on people’s moods and their behavior.
Architects can design places that can work with our bodies to reduce stress and
disease, and improve healing

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Designing a Place for Thinking

In the modern world, many places are designed for a variety of activities but
very few are devoted to thinking. However, although considering an area for
break-time where we can treat ourselves may appear to have less importance
than other productive activities, these spaces can make a better life for humans
by providing happiness and quietness as its main features. The combination of
mind and body makes an individual complete and reveals the spiritual side of
humanity. This means the physical mind is used for obtaining knowledge; while
the moral part of the mind is in contact with neuro-systems and emotions, helping
a person to reach a higher level of consciousness and well-being.5
Nelson Goodman one of the most influential philosophers of the post-war era of
American philosophy observes, “The world is not merely the physical universe,
but also a sum of cultural artifacts, the systems of organization and meanings
created by a group of people at any one time.” This demonstrates that the most
important factor in the formation of an intellectual space is the structure and
design
of the building and the feeling that it gives to a person. This is called
architectural
sense-making. In this way, sense-making illustrates how architectural
features like texture, color, and materials can have an effect on an individual’s
senses through touching, hearing and looking. The reconnected body and mind
interpret the built environment by looking for both well-made and worthwhile
spaces, helping us to make a physical and spiritual connection to the world.6

In designing a space for thinking, it is the architect’s responsibility to respect

both meaningful and functional aspects in their design and create buildings
which respond to both requirements. George Lakoff is an American cognitive
linguist who stated that in the process of thinking, “properties of certain
categories
are a consequence of the nature of human biological capacities and of the
experience of functioning in a physical and social environment.”

Every building triggers individual sensations and produces specific feelings in its
dwellers. An authentic architecture improves life for people because our body
and mind work as a union that is connected to the built environment. The goal
of this union is to make life not only possible, but also happy, where everybody
is able to improve their well-being and spiritual mood through a sustained
collaboration
of mind and body through the architectural design circumstances.
One of the main factors in this combination is understanding the neuro-architecture
that explains the relationship between neuroscience and the structure
of buildings, that is, the reaction of people to these places and the surrounding
environment. By being aware of the inf hence of the building structure on the
human body, brain, emotions, and neuro system, architects can design for happiness
by using materials and elements that sustain emotional development. We
must question how we can sustain and foster simple, yet essential, everyday
activities that people are interested in such as sitting, listening to music,
talking
and having time to rest and think.

A place for thinking encourages people to relax and not worry about what has
happened in the past and what is going to happen in the future. In summary,
people are emotionally connected to a building and its environment through
architectural
design that assists them in enhancing well-being and improving the
remedial process in healing spaces.
. Definition of Meditation
Meditation has been used in the East for thousands of years. It is a way of
life which is not dependent on place and time and has a direct effect on
health, happiness, sleep, and longevity. Meditation is not just about improving
the mind’s state; there are possible results which are quite beyond expectations.
The definition of meditation in the modern dictionary states that it is a form of
“contemplation”, which is related to thinking. In meditation, personal concerns,
plans, fears, and other thoughts that continually pass through the mind are
contained
and brought to a halt. This objective is challenging to achieve as simply
stopping the mind from thinking is not an easy task. However, thinking about
the past and the future must indeed be stopped in order to meditate deeply. It
entails stopping concerns from entering the mind and living in the moment with
no specific ideas or conscious thoughts; that is the whole art of meditation. Even
concentrating on an object is not truly meditating because one is still connected
to the world. Meditation is an insight; it is all about understanding ourselves.
Through meditation, people learn how to face fear by accepting and expressing
it as a natural occurrence.
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The effect of placebo

Based on logic and perhaps human nature, believing in something can help
people feel better. In the 1970s, Norman Cousins concluded that some people
get better by laughter and a positive attitude as a healing therapy. He concluded
that
atleast the person could become stronger and better able to f ght the disease.
The surrounding environment is one of the main elements responsible for igniting
positive responses by being supportive, nurturing, and rewarding. Therefore,
we can see that the physiological response that we get from the body affects our
health. The placebo effect is the improvement in illness through the belief that
is placed in the expectation that a certain technique or method of meditation
can improve our well-being. It is a significant method used in curing illnesses as
one-third of the therapeutic effect is the placebo effect.

In summary, the power of the aspiration improves human health through meditation,
deep conviction, or even a set of assumptions. Indeed, the common
element in all these forms of believing is the importance of belief. The belief
that something has an effect on the healing process is extremely powerful. The
placebo effect is the notion of believing in something that will heal. It could be
a drug, an action, a person, a place, or even meditation. It has a great effect
on pain, which in some situations does not include physical changes, but rather,
it helps a person feel better and be stronger in dealing with pain. One of the
most important factors in the placebo effect is the expectation that comes from
personal experience, general knowledge, culture, and history. This expectation
could be a place for calming people.

On the whole, a particular place can help in the healing process and people
might get benefit from just being in these places not only by associating with a
positive feeling but also, by having hope that the place will heal. Positive
emotions
can improve health and meditation is one of the best activities for this purpose,
particularly because it helps to reach spiritual goals, which are associated
with better health outcomes.

Stress is harmful to health, hence incorporating nature and appropriate design

elements and positive social interactions are important to reduce stress and
positive emotions have a
significant effect on the mental well-being.
“It is really in ourselves, in our emotions and in our memories, that we can each
find our healing space. For the most powerful of healing places are in the brain
and in the mind.”

Furthermore, healthcare places have to enhance comfort and consider the spiritual
and social aspects of a patient’s life by adding gardens, nature sounds,
and spaces where patients can gather with their families. This category would
be an environmentally friendly space with green features and natural elements
to improve air quality and water elements while providing motivation for movement
and encouragement for patients to exercise in open spaces, balconies, and
under skylights. According to neuroscience research, considering brain functions
in designing a healthcare environment can aid the body in the healing process.
These functions include working with sensory perception through the creation
of landmarks, sound-marks, silence, aromatherapy and aid navigation, as well
as through the fostering of meditation. All of these are signif cant in reducing
stress, anxiety and medication dosages, enhancing a sense of well-being, and
speeding healing

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Nature and Human Experience

In the modern world, there are many pressures which are due to three major
interacting forces: technological development, the multimedia knowledge
explosion, and the increasing population. Mental exhaustion is a result of these
trends which lead to some common consequences such as reduction in tolerance,
affect, and health. One of the most effective ways to reduce these negative
effects is to create natural environments. Pressures and stress cause mental
exhaustion and a restorative experience is one of the most signif cant ways to
reduce this problem. It does this by incorporating the natural environment,
with nature playing an integral role in human well-being.

The main aspect of human functioning is attention, which is mostly affected by

pressures. “Involuntary attention” is identified by William James (1892) and
is evoked by the environment. Involuntary attention is uncontrollable and is
dependent on how interesting the environment is; however, Stuss and Benson
(1986) recognized another type of attention called “directed attention”. It allows
individuals to focus upon the environment and reach a higher level of mental
processing. Directed attention is under voluntary control and it needs effort;
while involuntary attention is drawn simply by something interesting and exciting
in the environment.

The restorative experience helps an individual improve well-being and move

away from mental fatigue. It means the thinking process in restorative settings
is different from the thinking that happens in daily life. The pattern of the world
has a main effect on people’s behavior and when people can find a way to stay
away from the world pattern and surrounding pressures, they can give their
mind a break and overcome fatigue. There are four main components in restorative
experiences which include: being away, extent, fascination, and compatibility
with environmental patterns. Sometimes people need a change and
they would like to be in a different situation that makes them think about other
things, however, this change needs to be in a completely different world where
connectedness and scope are two main properties for this purpose.

In addition, in order to create motivation and stimulation, it is necessary not

only to attract attention but also to allow one to function without using direct
attention. Discovering and being unable to predict certain events is fascinating
for people and can encourage them to seek out a variety of new experiences.
“Nature is not merely nice, it is not just a matter of improving one’s mood, and
rather it is a vital ingredient in healthy human functioning.”

Since nature is the most accessible place for relaxation, the natural environment
is the best place to apply the restorative concept. In addition, natural settings
are suitable spots for getting away from daily stresses. Nature is a great resource
to provide a space with a feeling of being in a different area, which combines
a sense of scope, hope, and connection, and is full of fascinating objects to
attract people. Clouds, sunsets, water, the motion of leaves and other pleasurable
patterns in nature are effortless and they create an opportunity for thinking
about other things. Now we can understand the relationship between natural
environments and human health and how it enhances healing in hospitals.
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Phenomenology of Place and Genius Loci

Founded in 1900 with Edmund Husserl publication, phenomenology challenges many
historical assumptions about the split of the mind and the body usually referred to
as the
Cartesian Dualism formulated by René

Phenomenology is therefore conceived as the ‘return to

things’ where it is linked with psychology, ethics and aesthetics. Another aspect
of its
nature is that it is a symbol of growth and blossom.
Phenomenology is regarded as a multi-sensory architectural doctrine by Pallasmaa
who
pointed out that the architecture of the senses brings the users closer to things
and also
drives them within. The interaction of the senses – movement and action – is
essential as one is then able to identify scales, see a direction and enhance
perceptions
by experiencing.

The genius loci, often termed as the spirit of place, refer to a deep understanding
and
awareness of the place. The concept originated from the Roman mythology where
guardians in the form of angels called the genii give life or spirit to a place or
people.
The term is now referred to as the distinct characteristic of a particular site in
the
modern world. The spirit is governed by the notion of inspiration. The genius is
the
essence of the place. In the classical Roman civilization, the
genius loci were referred to as the ‘protective spirit of a place’. In the
contemporary age,
it is denoted as the atmosphere of a particular place. Norberg-Schulz explains
this ideology by stating that man is able to inhabit a space when he has the
aptitude to
control his inner self; feelings and conditionings, and consequently associates
himself
with the outer environment. He affirms that a place is a space that has character.
The
genius loci are a state of reality that man engages in his day-to-day endeavors in
life.
Norberg-Schulz indicated that places are qualitative in nature since each
component relates to one another where the place is experienced as a whole.
Therefore,
a place is regarded as a complete phenomenon and it cannot be further reduced to
its
elements, for example spatial linkages. The quantitative
aspect of place consists of spatial distribution and dimensioning. However,
functions
occur in different ways, for instance sleeping and eating. Therefore, the
functional side
varies with different cultures and environmental conditions. Hence, there is a
particular
identity associated with any function.
This identity as defined by the genius loci evokes a distinct character. For
example, it
could be ‘festive, solemn or protective’ in the case of buildings while landscapes
can be
‘fertile or threatening’. Character is given definition by the construction methods
applied and varies with time. An environment has
character through which people formulate a perception that consolidates an
orientation
and a sense of security. Norberg-Schulz confirmed Lynch’s works, by saying
that a system of orientation is developed in each culture and it leads to create an
environmental image. He found that orientation has been hugely influenced by
natural
elements. As a result, orientation and identification are interlinked and are
meaningful
experiences in architecture.
In the architectural language, Norberg-Schulz describes that place making should
have a
spiritual attribute and not concentrating only on creating a physical place. The
genius loci can therefore be considered as any quality that defines the
experience of a place. Usually the genius loci will consist of a unique and
impressive
natural landscape. The spiritual nature of place is very important
to understand.
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Phenomenology of Place
Existence is composed of people, animals, flowers, trees, earth, stone, water,
houses and
civilizations. The sun, moon and stars are the other natural elements. The
landscape is
believed to be a complete phenomenon. Place is an integral part of existence that
is
composed of materials, shapes, textures and colour (Norberg-Schultz, 1980: 6). A
place
has character; it can have functional and spatial arrangements with a given
dimension.
Cultural and environmental conditions affect the properties of a place.
Phenomenology
is therefore conceived as the ‘return to things’ where it is linked with
psychology, ethics
and aesthetics. Another aspect of nature is that it is a symbol of growth and
blossom
(Norberg-Schultz, 1980: 8).
Phenomenology is regarded as a multi-sensory architectural doctrine by Pallasmaa
who
pointed out that the architecture of the senses brings the users closer to things
and also
drives them within. The interaction of the senses – movement and action – is
essential
as one is then able to identify scales, see a direction and enhance perceptions by
experiencing. He stressed on the complete experience with a building rather than to
concentrate partly on visual perceptions (Shirazi, 2011). The understanding of the
concept of spirituality is critical in this study leading towards its application
in
architecture.

By proper use of natural elements, the area can potentially

improve health outcomes. Healing gardens are usually part of the surrounding
landscape on a campus and they are designed for human
engagement and remedial use. These spaces help in stress reduction which in
turn helps the body to achieve a more balanced psychological condition while
also assisting patients in calling on their own inner healing resources for dealing
with medical conditions. They also provide relaxing moments for both patients
and staff in affording an opportunity to be removed from daily pressures. The
therapeutic garden can have a view of the garden through a window, and provide
a place for various activities such as gathering, meditating in a quiet area,
exercising, studying and visiting with the patient’s family. Gardens
offer respite to patients and families, regenerating the mind and body through
simple and sometimes planned therapeutic mental and physical exercises. It is
essential to consider the conditions that will help provide an appropriate area for
thinking, rest, activity, and social interaction. Using different levels of
transparency
between the exterior and interior space is one way to create these areas.
Exterior landscape spaces work like a healing garden which affords respite and
an opportunity to break away from the stress of the institutionalized environment.
In other words, a well-designed center provides visibility,
accessibility, familiarity, quiet, comfort, and a positive environment by using
nature and green spaces towards the improvement of well-being.

One of the elements which is essential in creating a spiritual environment is the

courtyard. This architectural space can provide respite, light, and views, promote
social interaction, and gathering places for people to come together.. The
gathering area is a multipurpose space, which may be used for studying, talking
or dining. It can be an ideal place to celebrate a birthday.
This space can open to a balcony or a terrace and integrate with nature to create
a more peaceful environment while being able to control ambient conditions

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