Hope : An Environment for Revitalization
Abstract
This thesis project focuses on the need for a more holistic approach in today’s health care system, one that puts a greater emphasis on the psychological healing of a person; a facet that is too often neglected. Specifically, it aims to discover ways to design that will reduce anxiety in those dealing with cancer by promoting wellbeing both mentally and physically. This will be done by studying how the environments around people affects their state of mind and then, in turn, affects their body. Also, an investigation will be done into ecopsycology and the affects that a strong connection to the natural environment can have on a person. The intent of this thesis project is to discover how we react to our environment and how it affects us. Discovering how we react to our environment, both built and natural, will make it possible to learn how to manipulate these environments in a way that promotes health and wellbeing.
The typology of this project is a cancer caring facility, located in Eau Claire, WI, where those afflicted with cancer can go to get away from the stress of a hospital to gain information, spend time conversing with others, or simply find a private space in which to reflect. This 4000 sq. ft. center will respond to the wide range of psychological needs that those with cancer have to promote: wellness and a better quality of life.