Professional Documents
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ARCHITECTURAL THESIS
SYNOPSIS
7TH Oct13
1) PROJECT:
a) Title: Finding peace in architecture b) Description: A study of how architecture can play a role of more than just a building form, by the analysis of psychological effect of spaces and forms to reduce depression in the society.
2) INTRODUCTION:
a) Client: b) Users: Main target: women and youth, Secondary target: General public, especially non-affording class lower middle class. World Health Organization (WHO)
100,000 sq.ft.
The overall prevalence of depressive disorders in Pakistan stands at a staggering 34%, with regions reporting as high as 66% women and 25.5% men suffering from this noncommunicable disease. The socio-economic factors of the country put a large population at the risk of developing depressive disorders. According to a survey conducting by WHO there is a rising trend of depression among the youth of the country owing to the high unemployment, women are also at a high risk due to an overall suppressive society and no facilities for pre/post natal stress. Other reasons for depression involve genetic and environmental factors. Physical, sexual or emotional abuse, certain medication; and personal conflicts/disputes with friends or family.
e) Reasons for Selecting: The main symptom of depression is that people are unable to participate in work or leisure activities and become introvert and secluded. Due to a lack of activities, recreational areas and landscapes in the country people are only dependant on restaurants and movie theatres to help get out depression. The purpose of this project will be to provide such, individual and group, activities and spaces to relax and relieve stress. Secondly the rate of
increase in depression in Pakistan is alarming and if the situation is not controlled through different measure will be the cause of depression in every third Pakistani. Thirdly, depression is one of the leading cause of suicide in people; especially young adults.
f) Scope of Work: Master planning Detailed planning Detailed exterior views Detailed interior views Sculptures Landscapes 3D views Animations
Create an area for the awareness of depression and consultation of the interested people, as a secondary purpose. The main objective is to revive activity, communication, communal and interactive spaces for people to help them from going into depression These will involve such spaces which soothe and calm people and also involve functions and human interactive programs to relieve stress and frustrations.
c) Research Questions: Types of depressions? Percentages of depressed people? Causes of depression? Treatments used for depression? What is human psychology? What is environmental psychology? What is healing architecture? What is sensory architecture? How can understanding environmental psychology help in developing healing architecture? How does sensory architecture and involving the role of senses help in design? What activities are most suitable to develop a positive and confident attitude in people? What kind of spaces and environments help in reducing depression?
4) METHODOLOGY:
a) Research Methodology: Literature Review Interviews with professionals Case studies Surveys with common people Site Analysis Design Consideration Architectural Program Zoning Master Planning Detailed Planning Presentation b) Research Aspect: Healing Architecture Sensory Architecture
Environmental Psychology Psychology of Space Therapies for Depression Transform therapies into shape and form
5) SITE:
Reports and statistics show that Lahore has the highest rate of depression, 53.4%. Hence, considering the need for such a place in the city, the site will be in one of the corners of Lahore; which will be approached privately or by fixed bus routes provided by the organization. Near LSE, Ring Road Raiwand Road Near river Ravi
6) PROBABLE OUTCOME:
a) Building Typology: The project will be a healing amusement hub, which will consist of: Community/Activity Centre Amusement Areas Stress relieving exercise areas Induced therapy units Spiritual and Meditation Centres Consultation and Awareness Clinics Botanical and Flower gardens Hard and soft sitting spaces Landscapes (hard and soft) Restaurants
b) Outcome: Encourage people to become active and go out to relax Heal people through design and spaces Create a healthy environment Change in attitudes of people Introduction of mentally and physically relaxing activities