Architectural approach

to wellness
Holistic healing: The exploration of humanity‘ place
in nature.

Yasasvi ginoya
639633
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. How architecture plays a role in promoting wellness?
2. What is healing architecture?
3. What are the architectural elements that help in healing?
4. Why designing for senses in necessary?
5. What are the effects of senses on wellness?

AIM:
The project's objective is to design architecture that promotes healing by functioning
as a bridge between the human mind and environment.

KEY WORDS:
Healing space
Materials
Senses
Therapies
Nature
Healthcare
Qualitative spaces

Scope of work:
Dividing the scope of work
 Understanding holistic approach to medication and types of therapies
 Analysing case studies
 Programme identification
 Site study
 Planning and spatial organization
 Material exploration

Limitations:
 Interior level planning of the therapy rooms
 Site visit
 Government regulation
 Time constrain
 Costing and estimation
What is healing architecture?
To grasp the notion of healing space, we must first understand the derivation of the
term 'healing'. Healing is derived from the Anglo-Saxon term 'healen,' which meaning
to make whole. Another approach to look into it is as a balance of mind, body, and
soul. Many people confuse healing with cure, which are diametrically opposed at their
core. Curing is more concerned with dealing with fixed issues, eliminating illnesses,
and treating symptoms, whereas healing is much more concerned with the
experience. An organizational culture known as "healing environments" aids in the
recovery of patients and their loved ones from the strains that come with disease,
hospital surroundings, doctor visits, etc. A caring and therapeutic atmosphere is
present in a healing setting. Well-designed healing environments have been shown in
studies to improve patients' mental and physical health, minimize their hospital stays,
lower their pain, and speed up their recovery.

In the 1980s, the field of study known today as "healing architecture" emerged to
examine the impact of physical space on the therapeutic outcomes for patients. It is
based on a research released in 1984 by Roger Ulrich, Professor of Architecture at
Sweden's Centre for Health Design. He demonstrated that if patients were in rooms
with a view of a park with trees, they might be discharged sooner and required less
painkillers after surgery. Later research revealed which other aspects are vital not just
for the well-being of patients and residents, but also for staff.

A caring and therapeutic atmosphere is characterized as a healing setting. According to

research, well-designed surroundings can lower patients' anxiety and stress, hasten
healing, minimize hospitalizations, reduce medication consumption, reduce pain, and
create a sense of well-being. Exposure to nature, such as vistas to the outdoors, indoor
or outside gardens, aquariums, soothing colors, natural light, pleasant noises, and so
on, all contribute to the development of such atmosphere.
The Need for Healing Spaces?
The globe is quickly becoming more urban. Cities are home to over 60% of the world's
population. By 2050, the figure will have risen by 20%. People in cities are confined to
their dwellings, which are surrounded by walls, concrete structures, and roofs. People
are already spending more time in the virtual environment than in reality. Large cities
and societies imply higher levels of stress, pollution, unemployment, and so forth. The
growth of technology, hectic work schedules, a decline in physical activities, decreased
human-nature interactions, and other things have all led to psychiatric condition, anxiety
levels, and a sense of discomfort.

In an era where cases of overwork and exhaustion are gradually climbing to an all-time
high, the demand for spaces for rejuvenation continues to increase. These areas serve as
a getaway from the contemporary world, a sanctuary where one can relax and recover
from the hectic pace of everyday life in a metropolis. As a result, recovery centers are
the primary spatial type that must consider wellness throughout the entirety of their
design process, as they aim to create spaces that can restore an individual's physical,
mental, and spiritual health.

Healing surroundings are physical environments that aid in the rehabilitation or healing
process by easing tension and discomfort, regaining mental health, renewal, and so on.
The healing process is repeated in hospital conditions that produce additional stress
because they are too small, lack décor, smell, and lack natural light, among other things.
As a result, healing places must evolve to meet the requirements and comfort of
contemporary generations. What are the adjustments that may be made? What aspects
or attributes contribute to a healthy healing environment?
What are the types of healing environment?
To begin learning about the various categories, let us first define an Optimal Healing
Environment. An OHE is a concept established first by Samueli Institute in 2004 to define
a medical system that is meant to stimulate and promote patients', families', and care
providers' intrinsic healing power. An OHE is made up of people, their behaviors, and the
physical environment in which they live. An Optimum Healing Framework is comprised
of eight principles that are contained inside the four settings. Cognitive, interpersonal,
behavioral, and environmental factors.

The individual and their internal environment are the starting point for the internal
environment. Personal wholeness or healing ideas inside oneself include it. When
positive exchanges occur between both the healer and the patient, the interpersonal
environment speaks of improved healing. The behavioral environment refers to the
practice of healthy lifestyles such as physical activity, a balanced and nutritious meal,
relaxation and stress management, a harmony between work and leisure, proper sleep,
and so on. Finally, the exterior surroundings should exude tranquilly and tranquility.
What are the architectural elements that would affect healing?
Science continues to establish a significant correlation between our surroundings and
our health, with studies suggesting that patients who are exposed to calming images,
sounds, scents, and textures have better results. According to Amy Wing, Occupational
Therapist at Essentia Health, "The space we are in really contributes to our health and
well-being, The more comforting and soothing a space is, the easier it is for people to
focus on their healing.”
In practice, architecture has the potential to alter and impact our perceptions and
emotions through aspects like as space, light, and geometry, all the way down to the
materials used in its creation. It's not simply an instinctual sense, though; scientific study
has proven that particular cells in our brain's hippo campal area attune themselves to
the locations and environments we dwell.
But what about the specifics of architecture and how they effect us? What
characteristics of a building's architecture do designers consider when eliciting an
emotional reaction from individuals who see it?

1. Ceiling Height
2. Building Views
3. Color
4. Light
5. Facades
6. Space
7. Shape/form
8. Sounds

Ceiling height: The distance between an individual and the tallest point in a space may
have a significant influence on someone's thoughts and behaviors. Higher ceilings, such
as those seen in painting studios, may encourage free, abstract cognitive processes,
whereas lower roofs allow for a more precise, concentrated perspective. Lower ceilings
make appropriate from a design standpoint in locations where things demand the
utmost care, such as operating rooms.

Building views: The appearance of the exterior can have a significant impact on how
easily you become sidetracked. If you're surrounded by lush vegetation, such as fields,
trees, and shrubs, you're more likely to focus on the activity at hand. It has been argued
that if the structure is placed in a more metropolitan area, where nature is scarce, these
busy environs might be far too distracting to keep concentrated.

Color: Color has a real physical effect. Even the color of a building's interior may
influence our attitude and perceptions. The color pallet may evoke a specific mood or
feeling. Blues and white seem to evoke emotions of tranquilly and quiet, while orange is
exciting and inspires excitement, and green accents can aid to relieve tension.
Light: Light influences our well-being visually by allowing us to see space,
physiologically by influencing hormone production, and emotionally by impacting mood
and general comfort. In the late 1800s, Florence Nightingale found that patients who
were exposed to light healed quicker than those confined to rooms.  Artificial lighting
that simulates daylight can be used in the absence of natural light. Colored lighting
might help to create a relaxing ambience in patients' rooms.

Façade: The environment outside of a structure can influence emotional reactions. The
appearance of a structure may have a psychological influence; if something appears
wonderful, it is likely to make us pleased. A complicated façade is likely to be admired,
yet anything boring may be very destructive to others. A skyscrapers or a block of
apartments, for example, may seem intimidating and featureless. At least, this is what
environmental psychologist Colin Ellard discovered after doing research on this
fascinating oddity.

Spaces: The more calming and comfortable the environment, the faster patients
recover. In recent years, designers have begun to use aesthetic features to decrease
stress and anxiety, improve health and healing, and so on. Studies have shown that
exposing individuals to nature or environment home designs can aid in a faster and
more complete recovery.

Shape/Form: In general, healthcare institutions are enormous, box-like structures with

deep floor plans, making it difficult to include natural light, which can only reach roughly
13 feet in a space with a 9-foot high window. Better building orientation is necessary to
exploit nature's finest potentials for an energy-efficient design. Long passageways are
avoidable.

Sounds: Music provides major health benefits, such as lowering anxiety and heart and
respiration rates. It can help lift one's spirits and brighten up the therapeutic
atmosphere. Music selection and variety are critical. Noise exposure or sounds inside or
surrounding the environment, on the other hand, tend to make individuals less
interested.

Even in this day and age, non of the patient would prefer to be treated as such. They do
not want cramped, stinky, tight quarters, rooms deprived of nature, to spend too much
money, and so forth. All that is required is an environment that allows them to forget
about the therapy procedure. Wellness retreats and spiritual healing has risen to
prominence, and their motto is "vacation with excellent health!"
Viveda wellness retreat:
Basic info:
Project: Viveda Wellness Village
Client: Viveda Wellness Retreat
Location: Trimbakeshwar, Nasik, Maharashtra
Area: 25000 sq m (site) and 3,900 sq m (built-up)
Principal architects: Ajay Sonar and Monali Patil
Design team: Tejas Pai
Landscape consultants: Monali Patil and Mahesh Nampurkar (Suman Shilp)
Context:
The location of the site is one of its most notable aspects. The location is sandwiched between the
enormous Sahyadri mountain range on one side and the hypnotizing waves of the Gautami Godavari
dam on the other, and it is also surrounded by a patchwork of varied farmlands, scattered trees, and
 domesticated animals.

Design intent:
The temperature in the region is hot and dry, especially during the summer, although also has excellent
monsoons and winter weather. The project's initial goal was to create environments that responded to
their surroundings. The majority of the rooms are designed to produce shade with few walls,
maximizing the amount of ventilation and natural light. All of the structures are perforated with
courtyards and green pockets, making the project breathable while also lowering the ambient
temperature and adding the moisture needed in a hot and dry region.
Spatiality/Architectural response:
The project's spatial intention is to evoke a sensation of inhabiting the region's historically significant
architectural forms - medieval forts, Wadas, Kunds, Chaityas, and Ghats. Each of the following building
types has a distinct and unique spatial character that may be found throughout Viveda Wellness
Village.
For example, in a five-square amenities block, each square is planned independently with five different
purposes and a related spatial quality: The naturopathy cluster is represented by Wada, the massage
rooms by Chaityas, the swimming pool by Kund, and the amphitheatre and restaurant by Ghats. The
five squares are united into one continuous block with particular transition gaps to produce a spatial
succession with distinct volumes, light and shadow characteristics, textures, and movement patterns
learned from architectural styles, as well as an in-depth study of the respective purposes.
The guest rooms are designed mostly like clusters from a little village with meandering alleys and
courtyards. Each cluster is structured as a circle that is freely positioned on a naturally sloping ground
to provide a meandering trail through all of the clusters at various levels. Four cottages share a
communal courtyard, which visitors use to mingle and take in the scenic vistas from the comfort of
their own verandas.
Materiality:
The project's second goal was to learn about and adopt construction methods from the adjacent
communities. Houses in this area are often built with a stone base, a timber structure, brick or mud
walls, and terra cotta pot tiles for rooftop. The project is made up of three different materials: basalt
stone, a timber frame, and a pot-tile roof. The proposal deliberately keeps the use of concrete and
steel to a minimum. All materials were found domestically (around 20 to 50 kilometers), lowering the
embodied energy.
1. Stone: The Wadari people did the majority of the stonework on the site. The
stonemasons hand-quarry, carve, and fit the basalt stone, which is abundant in the area.
The majority of the project, including the load-bearing walls, steps, courtyards, and
landscaping, is composed of basalt. This is done on purpose to give the structure a
monolithic appearance, as if it were a solid stone casting laying softly on the landscape.
2. Wood: This project makes use of two different types of wood:1) Haladu (yellow toned
timber). The roof and columns in particular rooms benefit greatly from this material.2)
Reclaimed Wood - Indian teakwood rescued from 100 to 150 derelict structures in the
area.
3. Clay pot tiles: Clay pot tiles are used in roofing.
Integrated wellness:
They have gathered all of the sustainable wellness options in a revitalizing environment in
Trimbakeshwar to assist you in relaxing your body, distressing your mind, and reconnecting with
yourself. The impacts of these comprehensive encounters at Viveda linger long after you've returned to
your normal routine.

Types of therapies:
Naturopathy Ayurveda International Spa Therapies
It addresses the underlying The oldest healing science Various massage techniques are
causes of ailments by balancing stresses prevention and utilized to assist the body in
the five Panchamahabhuta fosters healthy living via detaching from the tensions
principles of earth, water, light, balance, food, and lifestyle. and anxieties of regular living
air, and space in order to and unwinding at its own
restore the body's vitality. speed.
Sr. No Treatments Sr. No. Treatments Sr. No. Treatments
1 Underwater massage 1 Abhyanga 2 hands 1 Swedish Massage
2 Whirlpool bath 2 Lymphatic Massage
2 Abhyanga 4 hands
3 Mud bath 3 Exfoliation
3 Shirodhara
4 Mud pack 4 Foot Massage
4 Udwarthana
5 Herbal Pack 5 Thai Massage
5 Kizhi
6 Gastro Hepatic Pack 6 Cupping therapy
7 Renal Pack 6 Takradhara
7 Hot Stone Massage
8 Full Body Acupressure 7 Shiro Basti 8 Bamboo Massage
9 Reflexology 8 Kati/Greeva/Netra 9 Aromatherapy Massage
10 Sujok Acupressure Basti/Karna Basti
10 Cream Massage
11 Acupuncture 9 Nasyam 11 Manicure
12 Vibro Therapy 10 Pizhichil 12 Facial
13 Chocolate Bath 13 Fruit Pack
Yoga
14 Compresses Our certified instructors' instructs 14 Hair Treatment
15 Colon Hydrotherapy for a sequence of stretches and 15 Chocolate Massage
16 Spinal Spray postures with breathing exercises. 16 Deep Tissue Massage
17 Hip Bath Sr. No. Treatments 17 Shiatsu
18 Electro Muscular 18 Cellulite Therapy
1 Aqua Yoga/Aerobics
Stimulator 19 Plantain Leaf Bath
19 Salt Bath 2 Aerobics 20 Moxibustion
20 Oxygen Bath 3 Personal Yoga Session 21 Physiotherapy
21 Infrared Therapy 22 Chiropractics
4 Fitness Session
22 Hydro Jet 23 Spinal Manipulator
23 Cellulite Pack 5 Stretching Session 24 Ionic Detoxification
5 Sense architecture:
Given that the vast majority of people in the world live in cities and spend nearly all of
their time inside, architecture has a significant impact on human welfare. The most of
architecture, on the other hand, is intended for the sight of the observer, and neglects
other non visual senses such as hearing, smell, touch, and even taste. This negligence
may be to blame for a variety of illnesses that many people encounter today, ranging
from sick-building syndrome (SBS) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), not to mention
the rising problem of noise pollution. However, in order to design structures and
surroundings that support human health and well-being, it is vital to consider not just
the influence of the various senses on the residents of a building, but also the way
sensory atmospheric/environmental signals combine.

Need for incorporating 5 senses in architecture:

1. As individuals judge whether they like or dislike something by using their senses to
perceive it, designing for the senses is admirable. As a result, when someone sees a
building, they get a sense of what they liked or disliked about it.
2. In addition, according to architectural theory, the three senses of sight, hearing, and
touch are often the ones that are most satisfied. Taking scent and taste into account
is not difficult since, if I look into it, there are many things or methods by which it is
genuinely feasible.
3. Including all the senses would make the structures more communicative. People
will be able to connect with it directly without any additional explanation or
instruction. Using it makes things for the general public easier by default.
4. What occurs when we are surrounded by all of these senses? Results demonstrate
that a location may become more productive by appealing to all five senses there.
5. In the end, it makes the person residing there or inhabiting it feel really happy. A
loud, smelly, unpleasant setting, for instance, never encourages or makes one want
to be there.
Vision/Sight:
We use our sense of sight to understand forms, distance, movement, color, heat, and depth. The eye's
overall purpose is to operate as a biological camera, absorbing light and translating pictures into nerve
impulses that may be sent to the brain. Our bodies can view the physical world thanks to the human
visual system. Compared to variations in the color itself, the eye is significantly more sensitive to
overall light and color intensity. Eye contact is the initial point of interaction and is essential for social
engagement. Undoubtedly, the primary method of acquiring spatial information is vision.

Hearing:
It is the ability to perceive sound. Hearing is all about vibration, and our responses depend on how
quickly and to what stimuli our nerves react.
Let's compare the two completely unrelated concepts of noise and music. While noise is an
undesirable sound that is typically exceedingly loud and meaningless, music is the skill of arranging and
blending sounds in order to achieve a harmonic tune.

Touch:
According to Pallasmaa, touch is more accurate than sight and less prone to error. While tactility
perceives the closeness, the eye touches the distance.
Skin comes into direct touch with the environment. By using our sense of touch, we may foretell if
something will be hot, cold, dull, sharp, smooth, or moist.
The first sensory pathway to form in humans is the sensation of touch. Temperature, pressure, and
texture are only a few of the different physical stimuli that may be distinguished by touch.

Smell:
A location can be recognized by its scent, or it might be created by a smell. Similar to how the aroma of
polished wood and musty leather book bindings contributes to an ancient library's character, the
aroma of oil paint gives an artist's studio its distinctive aroma.
Currently, several components used in architecture, such as sand, fresh water, and construction
materials, have distinctive smells that may be used to identify them even when they cannot be seen.
The scent of roses, jasmine, lavender, and other plants in the garden can help you identify different
areas of it.
According to Juhani Pallasmaa, the nose has a sharper and deeper understanding of space than the
eyes, and can recall things more easily.

Taste:
Your tongue has taste buds, which are sensory organs that let you experience the flavors of sweet,
salty, sour, and bitter.
If there is a gallery, the visitors pass through gutters that are filled with various liquids of varying
densities and colors, each of which they may remember tasting differently. They will locate the correct
route that is closer to water if they follow the clearer liquid.
The flavor of tang may be recalled by using bright red colors, the taste of sweetness, such as chocolate,
can be recalled by warm brown hues, and the taste of sour can be recalled by yellow and orange. A
certain green might also conjure up sourness and even bitterness.
MATERIALS:
Natural materials are those elements found in nature that may either be utilized directly
for a certain construction purpose or that need human intervention to utilize them. The
amount of processing needed may vary depending on the substance. For instance, wood
(or "timber") may be used to create structures with a minimum of human involvement
since a tree can be simply chopped into smaller pieces that can be utilized to build
structures. Alternatively, clay is a natural material as well, but it takes more labor to
transform it into bricks, a process that often include shaping, drying, and fire.

A number of these materials also have a link with nature that may enhance wellbeing of
an individual. Some of these materials also have high aesthetic features (including
variability that results in numerous color and texture variations).As there are certain
materials that exist extensively in nature and are utilized in building but are not
considered as "natural," it should be highlighted that the term "natural material" is a
delusion that has emerged through willful and romanticized interpretations.

Psychological effects of materials:

Numerous studies have shown the direct impact that shapes, forms, colors, tones,
texture, materials, etc. have on people's actions and reactions to their surroundings. The
spatial arrangement and design influence and determine how we as a society react to
one another and to ourselves.
While offering us security and safety, being encased in these concrete and brick walls
reduces the transparency and liberty of our thoughts and actions.   We come to
understand that all of our nostalgia is based on the senses and perception when we
travel back to those pleasant old recollections. Even when we think of our loved ones,
the things we miss the most are their fragrance, their touch, and their presence.
Humans cling to their senses to judge how something or someone makes them feel.

Architecture is a kind of social art that affects our environment. It offers us the resources
we need to grow as a civilization. The environments we work in, eat in, sleep in, and
have fun in all shape our health, capacities, reactions, and effectiveness. The material
that will be used to carve such gaps represents the crucial decision. Without "material,"
we are unable to give our places life, creativity, and personality. Understanding what
kinds of material appeal to which parts of our brain, what kinds of materials work best in
what kinds of environments, and so on is crucial.
Due of the present pandemic, it is more important than ever to pick materials carefully.
It is the responsibility of the architects to use materials that calm, relax, and re-energize
the body, soul, and mind. Given how disconnected everything looks right now, mental
health is about to stabilize. The desire to employ such materials in a design that
encourages a good social and personal attitude. It is a truth that how our places are
constructed affects the crime rate, health factor, suicide rate, well-being, and
advancement of a civilization.
MATERIALS:
1. Stone: Living in a stone building is low maintenance and environmentally
beneficial, and any leftover stone from the construction may be utilized to complete
the house with worktops or tiling. Stone is a naturally occurring material, so there
are no more resources required to make it when you build with it. It also doesn't
emit any toxic substances or dangerous chemicals into the inside of your house.
Advantages of stone: Low maintenance: Because stone needs less care over time,
homeowners will incur little fees. Durable: This material is fire-resistant, performs
well in a variety of climates, and should hold up well in the event of a natural
catastrophe.
2. Cob: Cob is a natural building material that even novices may use to create their
own eco-friendly house. Cob is a kind of mud created from a variety of organic
materials, including soil, sand, straw, and sometimes even lime. Cob houses do take
longer to construct than traditional builds, and you’ll also want to monitor the
humidity in your cob home to prevent mold and related health problems.
Advantages of cob: Cheap: Building a home made of cob can end up being nearly
one-tenth of the cost of a traditional build. Energy-efficient: Cob homes slow down
the rate of heat transfer, which helps to regulate their internal temperature, in turn
letting homeowners save on monthly electric bills.
3. Bamboo: Creating a unique designs by using bamboo because of its resilience and
attractive appearance. Additionally, it has one of the planet's quickest rates of
growth, making it more sustainable than others. Due to fire safety concerns,
insurance premiums for bamboo houses are higher than for other structures like
stone and adobe since home insurers define them as frame building. Advantages of
bamboo: Durable: Bamboo has greater tensile strength than steel, and can
withstand compression better than concrete. Lightweight: Bamboo is easy and
cheap to transport to a construction site thanks to its hollow sections, saving
money during the build.
Description: Stone has been utilized as a "naturally accessible construction material"
from the dawn of civilisation. It is accessible in a form of boulders, which are shaped and
size-cut to the specifications needed for usage as construction blocks.
Properties: When choosing stones for engineering projects, consider the following
aspects of the stones:
1. Structure: The stone might have a stratified (layered) or an unstratified structure.
Stones with structures should be simple to dress and appropriate for
superstructure. Stones without stratification are hard and challenging to dress. They
are chosen for the foundation construction.
2. Texture: Stones with uniformly distributed fine grains are utilized for carving
because they have an appealing appearance. These stones are often robust and
long-lasting.
3. Density: Stones with more density are tougher. Stones with little mass are fragile.
4. Appearance: If the grains are compact, a stone with a consistent and appealing
colour will last longer. When polished, marble and granite have a really nice look.
They are thus employed for exterior works in structures.
5. Strength: When choosing stone as the second construction component, strength is
a crucial quality to consider. Each construction block should have a least crushing
strength of 3.5 N/mm, according to Indian standard code.
6. Hardness: When using stone for flooring and paving, this quality has to be taken
into account.  The coefficient of hardness ought to be at least 17 for road
construction. Stones having a coefficient of hardness below 14 should not be
utilized for construction projects.
7. Percentage wear:  A good stone shouldn't have more than 2% of it worn away.
Nevertheless, while placing beams (Concentrated Loads) on laterite walls in stone
masonry structures, care should be given to monitor stresses.
Application places:
Advantages: a
Disadvantages: a
Psychological effect: a . Basalt on the main entry gives off an energizing feeling because
to its dark and vivid hues, including black. It gives the front a very pleasant appearance
to visitors. On the other hand, a tranquil mood is produced by natural stone in neutral
tones that has been skillfully put to an outdoor pathway. It gives the tourists a feeling of
enjoyment.
Psychological effect: Since they are durable and honour the
cycle of life, earth materials fundamentally represent the
holistic approach. When an earthen structure is left unoccupied
or becomes unusable, it will simply decay and blend into its
surroundings, leaving behind harmless remains. As they are the
top components in the cycle, all earth elements may be
collected and brought back to the planet naturally (cradle to
cradle).Earthen materials' endless capacity for reuse and
recycling makes them entirely compatible with CE standards.
There are numerous obvious advantages to using earth as
building materials.  In contrast with numerous additional
materials that impact IAQ and put inhabitants at risk for health
problems throughout the course of a building's lifetime, earth
material has zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs) . Recent
research has shown what end users have long believed to be
true: earthen architecture, when used appropriately during the
building process, produces excellent indoor air quality,
particularly because of its passive ability to buffer moisture.
Moreover, due to the characteristics of clay nanoparticles, the
particles of clay remove contaminants. Since individuals would
devote far more time inside 4 walls and because it is known
that inadequate IAQ worsens underlying health issues.