Activate Healing - The Role of Architecture in Health Spaces

Abstract

Architecture has the unique ability of being able to have a direct effect on the way people feel within a space. This idea is never more evident than in the design of healthcare spaces. Healthcare spaces are charged with housing humans in some of our most physically and emotionally sensitive states. They are spaces which must balance the functional necessities of physical healing with the spiritual and emotional sensitivities of mental wellbeing and the overall healing process. This thesis will explore what the role of architecture is in the healing process. It attempts to break down typical stereotypes of healing spaces as well as of the individuals receiving care within them. It promotes design that has a careful understanding of its user and acts to address their particular attributes and challenges. “Activate Healing” sets out to show that architecture can play an advocating role in healing by being an active, supportive, and inspiring contributor.