Infusing wellness : rejuvenation centre : a threshold from industrial to natural realm. An architectural research project exploring the elements of well-being provided by architecture and nature.

Abstract

The meaning of wellness is defined as a healthy balance of mind, body and spirit, responsible for the mankind’s holistic well-being. Architecture and the built environment have the potential to influence the individual’s well-being. Nature, similarly, functions as a booster to our wellness as it engages with the multiple senses and thereby provides physical, mental, and spiritual healing.

The focus of this project is a “Rejuvenation Centre” within Highbrook Business Park in East Tamaki, Auckland, which aims to heighten the level of well-being in all people engaged with a busy life style inside the business area, in order to raise awareness towards the “holistic wellness” concept which engages not only the body, but also, mind and spirit. This project is a response to the envisaged major growth of both businesses and population within the precinct, to provide a healthy meeting place for business workers and the near-by communities. The project investigates and learns from the healing elements provided by architecture and nature; as identified and analysed by Christopher Day and Carol Venolia who both suggest methods and ways on how these elements can be altered in order to bring mental and physical therapy in to the built environment.

These elements, however, include light, colour, material, texture, and vegetation. The project has also looked at Feng-Shui‘s theory which suggests engaging the built environment with the harmony of nature, using concepts such as: Yin/Yang, the five elements, and the environmental energy (Qi).

Design intention, however, (involved the focus on sensory, experience, therapy and thermal comfort) will focus on the sensory and therapeutic experience provided by the elements mentioned above. The design will also look at the concept of zoning, in order to engage each activity with a distinct atmosphere that is inspired by the five elements of nature (earth, water, wood, fire, and metal).