ANALGESIC: PLACEBO

Abstract

This thesis is to look at the effects of society and the environment on the mental well being of the population. The project will be a center for alternative psychological studies incorporating a mental health institute focusing on research, housing and space for the inhabitants, plus park space for the city's inhabitants. Total area will be approxamitely 250,000 sq ft with another 150,000 sq ft dedicated for a public green space. The theoretical premise/unifying idea will guide the research. It states: "Our environment must be more thoroughly thought out to include our mental and physical well being instead of just to fulfill the requirements of shelter and functionality." The justification: "Our environment has slowly become more homogenous and it has less and less of a human connection, causing our body and mind to react in unnatural ways. A return to a more natural state will help bring us back to where we need to be before we lose it all." The site is located in Chicago, Illinois. It is known as Goose Island, just northwest of Downtown. This site hopes to become an intricate part of downtown and the people. It will need to react to all of its surroundings and will bring new life into the city.