| dc.description.abstract | Most people think of architecture as a profession that is concerned with aesthetic beauty—designs that please the observer through visual perception of the harmony, symmetry, and good proportions crafted by the designer. But, architecture is more than just aesthetics. Well-designed buildings need to respond to the functional needs of the occupants, and ensure structural soundness for safety reasons. However, I believe Architecture is even more than that. True architecture can create feelings and emotions from within, and cause the users to self reflect on their own lives. Furthermore, I suggest that we, as architects, can provide a healing environment for everyone, especially those who are affected by mental health diseases, such as depression and anxiety. In the duration of my thesis, I will examine the historical approach to health, and how we have progressed throughout time. I will be comparing the most recent neuroscientific evidence with that of ancient thought to gain a better understanding of the mental essence of architecture, in hopes to show the potentiality to redescribe our fiction and reality through the movement through space. In comprising all my research, I intend to design a Mental Health Retreat, for those who suffer from mental illness, such as depression and anxiety, located off the North Shores of Lake Superior, more specifically, Wauswaugoning Bay, MN. | en_US |
