Orphereal: Orphic Journey to Healing: A Therapeutic Design for the Anxious and Depressed
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Abstract
Mental health has been rising for years, although since the pandemic
that swept the world in 2020, it only seems to have been getting worse.
When we hear somebody has broken their leg, has been diagnosed with
a cancer or a terminal illness, why do we feel empathy towards the person?
We feel called to deliver get well cards, and post about their misfortune
and rally others to do the same; in the simplest terms, we support
them on the path to heal. Mental health should be no different. The 2
most common mental illness diagnoses in America are depression and
anxiety. Everyday people around us are a part of this sector, but the difference
is it’s an invisible wound.
Why is it that when help is sought out for mental health, the atmosphere
that is intended for healing does the opposite?
Orphereal (coming from its root origin, Orphic and Ethereal) explores
how atmospheres help shape our moods and attune us both mentally
and physically. Inspired by ancient and modern influences that speak to
a cathartic transformation of mood; my architecture attempts to curate a
specific ritualist pathway of healing. Inspired by studies such as Le Corbusier’s
theory that states as humans our bodies are governed by the
diurnal (sign of the) 24 hour day, users are immersed in essential experiences
like sleeping, eating, bathing and therapy all guided by the sacred
relationship of shadow and light.