THE MACHASEH CENTRE redefining ‘care’ NAME OF PROJECT:
THE MACHASEH CENTRE
TYPE OF PROJECT:
RESIDENTIAL/CARE HOSPITALITY
LOCATION:
WEST BRIDGFORD, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE.
CLIENT:
SITE AREA:
NOTTNGHAMSHIRE COUNY COUNCIL
66368.45 SQUARE METERS OF DEVELOPABLE AREA AND 27720.97 SQUARE METERS OF RECREATION SPACE.
TOTAL BUILD AREA:
5710.14 SQUARE METERS
GROUND COVERAGE:
8.6%
MAXIMUM NO. OF LEVELS: PARKING:
3 ******************
ESTHER .O. IDOKO
Biophilia /bʌɪə(ʊ)ˈfɪlɪə/
Noun (according to a theory of the biologist E. O. Wilson, 1984) is an innate and genetically determined affinity of human beings with the natural world. How can this be applied to the most vulnerable cases?
Does incorporating nature into spaces improve health and wellbeing? 1.
2.
A study showed that individuals who walked through the forest on average, had salivary cortisol (a stress hormone) 13.4-15.8% lower, pulse rate reduced by 3.9-6.0%, overall parasympathetic activity-which occurs when we feel relaxed- increased by 56.1%, whereas sympathetic activity-which occurs due to stressdecreased by 19.4% and less systolic blood pressure compared with those who walked through urban areas. From an economic angle that could be translated into cash flow, where applicable, biophilic integration has been known to affect : • Retail sales • Illness and absenteeism • Violence statistics • Staff retention • Job performance (mental stress/fatigue) • Healing rates • Classroom learning rates (The Economics of Biophilia, accessed 2016)
1.
According to the World Health Organization, mental health disorders and cardiovascular diseases are expected to be the two prime contributing factors to illnesses worldwide by 2020 (WHO, 2008) and Stress is a known cause of both mental health disorders and cardiovascular diseases.
2.
Based on these research findings, it cannot be dismissed that the incorporation of nature into design can positively impact mental health by reducing stress. These coupled with other environmental design principle could be used as a preventive measure as well as a means to significally slow down deteriorative brain diseases.
3.
“The brain is the organ that controls behaviour. Genes control the blueprint/design and structure of the brain. But environment can modulate the function of genes and ultimately the structure of the brain.” (Fred “Rusty” Gage, Neuroscientist).
DESIGN SOLUTION: The UNIT and the WHOLE ‘Every new act of construction has just one basic obligation: it must create a continuous structure of wholes around itself’ (Alexander, C et al., 1987,pg.16).
The Unit
Based on Christopher Alexander’s Theory of Urban Design, a set of 7 Rules are offered to promote the idea of wholeness within an urban environment. Lynch’s Navigation theory has also been utilised in designing paths(links), nodes(internal garden) and edges(home)for a holistic way-finding experience.
The Whole
Entrance
Each unit represents A Home
CARE UNIT: A number of resident bedrooms which have their dining area, lounge, kitchen, bathing and activities area for daily living within the care unit or in close proximity to provide the environment of a large family home. The Centre
CARE GROUP: Two or more care units which may share some areas for daily living, generally combined for staffing efficiencies. CARE CENTRE: The central location within the facility for staff to carry out residents health care planning and monitor building security and nurse call systems.
The Group Rule 1: Even distribution of sizes and usage around the site. The Links Rule 7: links should lead to the centre
CARE STATION: The central location within a care unit or group which will provide space for staff to carry out administrative duties in private yet remain in close observational contact with residents.
DESIGN INTEGRATION
COMMUNITY
CONNECTION
FREEDOM
REFERENCES Alzheimer's Society. (2010). My name is not Dementia. London: Alzheimer’s Society.
Lynch, Kevin (1960). The Image of the City. The MIT Press. ISBN 0-26-262001-4.
Bird, W. (2007). Natural Thinking. RSPB
Mapes, N., & Vale, T. (2012). Wood if we could: A practical guide to leading group adventures and visits to woodlands. Chelmsford: Dementia Adventure.
Care Quality Commission. 2014/15. The state of healthcare and adult social care in England Printed in the UK by the Williams Lea Group on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office.
Mind. (2007). Ecotherapy - the green agenda for mental health. London: Mind.
Chalfont, G. (2005). Architecture, nature and care: the importance of connection to nature with reference to older people and dementia. Independent paper G Chalfont. CLARK, P., MAPES, N., BURT, J. & PRESTON, S. 2013.
Mitchell, L., & Burton, E. (2010). Designing dementia-friendly neighbourhoods: helping people with dementia to get out and about. Journal of integrated care, 18 (6), 11-18. Schwarz, B., & Rodiek, S. (2007). Outdoor environments for People with Dementia. 21 (1-4).
Extract from: The Unit as Part of the Whole, DESN30168: Construction Technology 3 2015/16, Group 2 - 10.12.2015
The Economics of Biophilia: http://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/reports/the-economics-of-biophilia
Greening Dementia - a literature review of the benefits and barriers facing individuals living with dementia in accessing the natural environment and local greenspace. Natural England Commissioned Reports, Number 137.
Wilson, Edward O. (1984). Biophilia. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. ISBN 0-674-07442-4.
Kaplan, S. (1995). The restorative benefits of nature: Toward an integrative framework.
ZEISEL JOHN. (2006). Inquiry by Design: Environment/Behaviour/Neuroscience in Architecture, Interiors, landscape and Planning. W.W. Norton and Company Ltd. London
SECTION KEY
Retained Land/ Recreation Area Amenity Area Housing Area Surface Water Trees Traffic noise pollution Cycle Path Footpath Primary Vehicular Access Secondary Vehicular Access Site Boundary
SITE ACCESS
MICRO ANALYSIS
Colour
Flood Risk Key
Geology Key
Meaning
Broadleaved Woodland
Gunthorpe MemberMudstone(GUN-MDST)
Coniferous Woodland
Special Deposits Arable and Horticulture Holme Pierrepoint sand and gravel member- sand and grave, (HPSG-XSV)
Improved Grassland Rough Grassland
Alluvium Clay silt. Sand and Gravel (ALV-XC2SV)
Neutral Grassland Head Diamicton (HEAD-DMTN)
Calcareous Grassland
Bassingfield Sand and Gravel Member- Sand and Gravel (BASGXSV) Artificial Ground
Acid Grassland Fen, Marsh and Swamp
FLOOD RISK PLAN
ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN
GEOLOGY PLAN
Heather
Infilled ground-Artificial Deposit (WMGR-ARTDP)
1
Roof Terrace
2
1
2
For more details refer to 03 Technical Details: 3.3 Sections and Details