The Role of Place in Well-being

Waxman, Lisa K.

doi:10.4324/9781315464411-13

“…Similarly, Waxman understands architecture to have a responsibility for considering how a space or place will fulfil the human need for connection with oneself and others (2017). Waxman identifies the need for architecture to respond to human imprint through resisting 'hard architecture' (Waxman, 2017). She suggests "spaces that allow individuals to alter their surroundings allow the control so many people desire" (2017, p.164).…”

Section: Image Redacted Due To Copyrightmentioning

confidence: 99%

Togetherness

Seth¹

2021

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Within New Zealand there is a disheartening and growing representation of youth experiencing feelings of social isolation and loneliness - an issue commonly only recognized after the culmination of its consequences occur. Those of 18-24-year olds are the cause for greatest current and future concern, yet, are the least researched age group. Architecture has the ability to influence physiological and psychological functioning, and thus may be used to positively affect wellbeing and experiences of loneliness. This thesis questions how architecture can more appropriately address experiences of social isolation and loneliness within student halls of residence in New Zealand through designing for wellbeing and atmosphere. To progress the research, this thesis implements both research for design and research through design. Research for design is utilized to provide a context for social isolation and loneliness in relation to wellbeing, as well as a theoretical context for atmosphere within architecture. Wellbeing and atmosphere are subsequently utilized as a framework to assess the case studies through how they support the senses, connection, surrounding objects, levels of intimacy, and material compatibility. Research through design is then utilized at two differing scales that increase in complexity, whereby each design is informed by the prior to test the practical and theoretical understanding of wellbeing and atmosphere. The first scale, a residential hall of residence, explores how wellbeing and atmosphere may be generated for a small group of people. The second scale and outcome, a public scale university hall of residence, expresses how wellbeing and atmosphere may be generated for a large group of people. Ultimately, this thesis concludes that through appropriately addressing the senses, connection, material compatibility, levels of intimacy, and surrounding objects the experience of social isolation and loneliness in student halls of residence may be improved.

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“…If the place has a positive association to the occupant, their health will thrive (Mina Najafi, 2011, Pg. 1055& Waxman, 2017.…”

Section: Sense Of Place Socialmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This was found to be best achieved in 'suitestyle dormitories', creating smaller clusters of people with more privacy, however still surrounded by others. Communal areas and pathways are other aspects that encourage these encounters and create a positive atmosphere for enhanced well-being (Waxman, 2017, Pg. 162 & Dougall, 2007.…”

Section: Sense Of Place Socialmentioning

confidence: 99%

Constructing the Contemporary Soldier - Redesigning Burnham's Barracks

Earwaker¹

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The traditional design of military barracks is an identified issue throughout the world. Due to neglect, age and original design, their condition is causing soldiers to suffer both mentally and physically. Michel Foucault provides a theoretical perspective that underlines the reason for the poor approach to barracks design. He believes that it is to control and survey occupants. This theory has provided the theoretical overview for this study. It aims to discover ways in which barracks can be redesigned to enhance a soldier’s living condition, thus enhancing their overall health and well-being. However, well-being isn’t the only factor that requires consideration in the design of barracks. Military order, systems and function is vital towards the creation of a successful army. These elements should not be disregarded in the solution to an improved barracks design for soldiers. These two aspects, military order and well-being, generate a tension that tugs design elements in opposing directions. Design for military order is rigid, structured and efficient. Whereas design for well-being is soft, natural and has privacy. This thesis develops a barracks design for permanent, single soldiers that creates a harmony between these opposing tensions. The design is situated within Burnham Military Camp, New Zealand. Some of the buildings are currently in poor condition, presenting an ideal opportunity to develop a new barracks model for the camp. Multiple research strategies have been used throughout the process, beginning with historical and case study research to establish the foundations for the design. Following this, the overarching method used is research through design. This method informed the process of the design to be iterative, progressing upon critical reflection. The final design integrates the tensions of military order and well-being. It does this in a way that is not often seen within new military barracks today, creating the opportunity for progressive change within the field of military barracks design.

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“…Throughout the building, a variation of large social spaces flow into one another while smaller, more intimate, spaces become happily dispersed throughout more private spaces. Connection between inhabitants in turn becomes influenced by perhaps a common and consistent passing of others within or in sight of social spaces (Waxman, 2017). Additionally, within spaces intended for many, a range of furniture, activities, spaces and atmospheres are present, encouraging comfort within a diversity of inhabitants, and connection to one another.…”

Section: Togetherness Togethernessmentioning

confidence: 99%

Togetherness

Seth¹

0

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Within New Zealand there is a disheartening and growing representation of youth experiencing feelings of social isolation and loneliness - an issue commonly only recognized after the culmination of its consequences occur. Those of 18-24-year olds are the cause for greatest current and future concern, yet, are the least researched age group. Architecture has the ability to influence physiological and psychological functioning, and thus may be used to positively affect wellbeing and experiences of loneliness. This thesis questions how architecture can more appropriately address experiences of social isolation and loneliness within student halls of residence in New Zealand through designing for wellbeing and atmosphere. To progress the research, this thesis implements both research for design and research through design. Research for design is utilized to provide a context for social isolation and loneliness in relation to wellbeing, as well as a theoretical context for atmosphere within architecture. Wellbeing and atmosphere are subsequently utilized as a framework to assess the case studies through how they support the senses, connection, surrounding objects, levels of intimacy, and material compatibility. Research through design is then utilized at two differing scales that increase in complexity, whereby each design is informed by the prior to test the practical and theoretical understanding of wellbeing and atmosphere. The first scale, a residential hall of residence, explores how wellbeing and atmosphere may be generated for a small group of people. The second scale and outcome, a public scale university hall of residence, expresses how wellbeing and atmosphere may be generated for a large group of people. Ultimately, this thesis concludes that through appropriately addressing the senses, connection, material compatibility, levels of intimacy, and surrounding objects the experience of social isolation and loneliness in student halls of residence may be improved.

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The Role of Place in Well-being

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