a space for holistic eudaimonia
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a space for holistic eudaimonia
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Jacklynn J. Benfield Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University School of Architecture + Design Bachelor of Architecture 2020 Undergraduate Thesis Documentation A collection of studies and drawings made from 2019 - 2020
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Dedicated to
My Family for giving me the opportunity to follow my dreams and continuously supporting me through it all My Friends for reminding me that life is too short to forget about doing the things that make you happy Bill Galloway for your inspiring and passionate educational guidance in both my thesis and undergraduate career Virginia Tech for fostering a collaborative environment for design students to learn and grow together while being my home away from home
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Table of Contents
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prologue ............................................................... 11
abstract 12 holistic study 18 precedents 24 ii.
site ......................................................................... 39
coordinates 40 orientation 44 iii.
a space for holistic eudaimonia .................... 47
the beginnings 48 the project 56 the spaces 66
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Finding a state of equanimity through architecture. prologue e·qua·nim·i·ty (noun): mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation. Through the connection of the mind, body and spirit derives a program suited to enhance an individual’s path in life. With the approach known as holistic health, the three aforementioned elements are centered around rehabilitation and finding a state of equanimity. The work that follows had its genesis in the notion of rhythm and the creation of a space where one can be reflective, vulnerable, and idyllic.
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| abstract |
abstract eu·dae·mo·nia (noun): human flourishing and prosperity; happiness; welfare Greek: ε υ δ α ι μ ο ν ί α Through the connection of the mind, body and spirit derives a program suited to enhance an individual’s path in life. With an approach known as holistic health, the three aforementioned elements (the mind, body and spirit) are centered around rehabilitation and finding a state of equanimity and eudaimonia. The work that follows had its genesis in the notion of rhythm and the creation of a space where one can be reflective, vulnerable, and idyllic.
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| abstract |
repetition-break vs. repetition
Initial studies of movement, rhythm and repetition through a medium where the primary focus is on creating structure with the repetitive linear elements and bringing an element of dimensionality through the fluid, diaphanous nature of watercolors.
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primary vs secondary paths
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| abstract |
relational inverse
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voids and disruption
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| holistic study |
holistic study Focusing on the mind, body and spirit, how can an individual create a program that focuses on the connection between the three elements to sustain balance in a holistic manner? How can architecture aid the user in the fabrication of a comfortable, welcoming environment? How can movement and rhythm throughout the project erect meaning out of the larger, programmatic spaces and help choreograph a path for individuals through transitional spaces? How can one use materiality to dictate programmatic spaces from one another or to evoke feeling through temperature-based conditions?
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| holistic study |
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therapy
yoga and meditation
massage therapy
thermal baths
the study of psychotherapy and counseling devoted to your psychological health and mental/ physical well-being
the study of how meditation and yoga benefits both an individual’s mental and physical health and well-being
the study of an integrative type of medicine used to alleviate ailments both physically and mentally
the study of hydrotherapy and the use of temperature controlled baths to purify the human’s body of toxins and relax and relieve joints and muscles
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| holistic study |
M I N D
Massage therapy being a holistic approach that helps one Relax Reduce stress and tension Lower blood pressure Promote muscle relaxation Improve in circulation Improve posture Strengthen the body’s immune system Means of expression Talking Writing Reading Creating positive habits and rituals Personal growth in specific goals Asking for help Marcela Barsse / Getty Images
Center for Mental Wellness
Having a support system that one can always depend on Exploring who you are as a person and understanding individual needs to thrive Sharing information/pieces that are typically buried away to provide a sense of relief Seeing the beauty in self-awareness and how we are both affected by those around us and how one can affect everything around them Making positive changes in life despite it being difficult at first
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“Seratonin and dopamine are released through massage, and the result is a feeling of calm relaxation that makes chronic Georgijevic / Getty Images / iStockphoto or habitual... stress much easier to overcome.” “LongRecovery term studies have shown that a consistent massage Scottsdale Center
program can decrease diastolic and systolic blood pressure.”
S P I R I T
B O D Y Healthy sleep Physical movement Nutritional benefits
Types of Meditation 1. Loving-kindness/Metta 2. Body scan/Progressive relaxation 3. Mindfulness 4. Breath awareness 5. Kundalini yoga 6. Zen meditation/Zazan 7. Transcendental
7132 Hotel
fizkes / Shutterstock Positive self talking Mindfulness Rest Engaging in relaxation Mindfulness in relaxation
Fernando Guerra / FG+SG The human body benefiting from the physical activity and engagement of yoga Increase in flexibility, muscle tone/strength, energy levels Improvements in circulatory + cardio health, athletic performance, posture, anxiety + depression, Helps subjects sleep better, chronic pain Reduce injuries Detoxify organs Release endorphins that improve one’s mood
Pittsburgh Mom Collective
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| precedents |
precedents “Architecture is a small piece of this human equation, but for those of us who practice it, we believe in its potential to make a difference, to enlighten and to enrich the human experience, to penetrate the barriers of misunderstanding and provide a beautiful context for life’s drama.� - Frank Gehry
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| precedents |
Images courtesy of Fernando Guerra / FG+SG
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The Therme Vals Peter Zumthor Vals, Switzerland “Mountain, stone, water - building in the stone, building with the stone, into the mountain, building out of the mountain, being inside the mountain - how can the implications and the sensuality of the association of these words be interpreted, architecturally?� - Peter Zumthor Complete sensory experience Thermal springs + baths/spa Quarry-like structure Perspective is constantly controlled View is either ensured or denied
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| precedents |
Jordanbad Sauna Village Jeschke Architektur&Planung Biberach, Germany “The design style of the sauna village is a contemporary architectural language-free of kitsch-creating rich extraordinary experiences for the visitors by careful use of space and form, light and material-inside and outside.� - Jeschke Architecktur&Planung Outdoor sauna huts/complex Allow for growth and expansion Linear expression of wooden slats Concrete structure wrapped in wood Tranquility, atmospheric
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Images courtesy of Christina Jeschke / Sandra Wolf
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| precedents |
Images courtesy of Juan Cristobal Cobo
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Kamadhenu Yoga Studio Carolina Echevarri + Alberto Burckhardt Subachoque, Colombia “The project consists of a central courtyard and three core modules articulated by a large corridor along which the yoga room, dining room, kitchen and bathrooms and changing areas are organized... where different natural elements such as trees, mountains, sky, water and fire, as well as a Buddha who acts as guardian of the place, integrate.� - Carolina Echevarri + Alberto Burckhardt Basic principles of yoga Nature, environment - main protagonists Meditation practices Private institutional practice Neutral, relaxed + mindful
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| precedents |
The Clinic hcreates Xuhui, China “Polished concrete is used on the walls as a smooth texture, which textually compliments and contrasts the natural timber, which is warm and rustic. Both are used for their natural and raw elements that create a constant calmness in the space... this was a deliberate way of opposing the harsh, energetic noise of the street and daily grind.” - hcreates Wellness, rehabilitation center Focusing on individual needs Overturning the idea of the “sterile white walled” hospitallike environment Relaxation, healing
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Images courtesy of Seth Powers Photography
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| precedents |
Images courtesy of Sayaka Hoshi / Syunichiro Sano
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Haspali Spa Three.Ball.Cascade.Architects Okayama, Japan “The name of this facility is HASPALI. It is a synthetic word combining “HASU” which means “lotus” in Japanese and “spa”. We designed on the theme of “lotus”. The design condition was to place 4 individual rooms in this small 90m2 space.” - Three.Ball.Cascade.Architects Concept based on a lotus Spatial communication Gentle gradation of color with light Feeling of floating in each room Staggered layers
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| precedents |
Santani Wellness Resort and Spa Thisara Thanapathy Associates Kandy, Sri Lanka “The relationship is as such that the built forms connect the landscape and the landscape connects the built forms as a flowing spatial experience. The simple structures disappear into the landscape, mastering the spiritual tranquility of its surrounding.� - Thisara Thanapathy Associates Vast, hilly terrain Harmonizing detail to landscape Spiritual tranquility Ecological roofs and details Use of nature for privacy
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Images courtesy of Thilina Wijesiri
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Finding a state of equanimity through architecture. site e·qua·nim·i·ty (noun): mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation. Through the connection of the mind, body and spirit derives a program suited to enhance an individual’s path in life. With the approach known as holistic health, the three aforementioned elements are centered around rehabilitation and finding a state of equanimity. The work that follows had its genesis in the notion of rhythm and the creation of a space where one can be reflective, vulnerable, and idyllic.
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| coordinates |
coordinates The site of the project is located in Golden, Colorado, situated just thirty minutes west of Denver. With surrounding mountains and easy accessibility from neighboring areas, the project is located at a meeting point between the busy, built city and the unbuilt, rigid mountains. The project aims to create a space for individuals to step away from the city and experience a framed view of the landscape. 39°44’15.4”N 105°13’14.2”W
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| orientation |
orientation Situated between Windy Saddle Park and Apex Park, the project site offers framed, panoramic views of vast amounts of natural land and the Rocky Mountains. The entry of the building starts on the northeast side of the project site and follows an axis perpendicular to the road (which moves southwest), signifying an entry from the built city while moving into the more programmatic spaces which fall closer to the unbuilt, natural environment.
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Finding a state of equanimity through architecture. a space for holistic eudaimonia e·qua·nim·i·ty (noun): mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation. Through the connection of the mind, body and spirit derives a program suited to enhance an individual’s path in life. With the approach known as holistic health, the three aforementioned elements are centered around rehabilitation and finding a state of equanimity. The work that follows had its genesis in the notion of rhythm and the creation of a space where one can be reflective, vulnerable, and idyllic.
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| the beginnings |
the beginnings The arrangement came to be through dividing the wet spaces from the dry, shown by the use of watercolors. Through iteration, the dry spaces are placed towards the entrance and front end of the project while the wet spaces are in need of a strong relationship with the landscape and are therefore placed in opposition.
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dry spaces (warm hues)
wet spaces (cool hues)
the in-between (transparent or linear)
therapy and counseling check-in
thermal baths changing rooms yoga
meditation small cafe massage therapy vestibule for accessing all programs
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| the beginnings |
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| the project |
the project The organization and spatial order of the programmatic elements are arranged to welcome individuals into a space where finding a state of equanimity and holistic eudaimonia is at the forefront of their experience. The project is broken up into three parts, the procession, the private therapy space and programs that require the act of dressing or undressing.
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part one (dry)
part two (dry)
part three (wet)
the entry
therapy
yoga and meditation massage therapy thermal baths
therapy yoga studio
meditation area
thermal baths lobby changing room
changing room
massage therapy
entry
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| the project |
south elevation (front)
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east elevation
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north elevation (back)
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west elevation
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the spaces The project is broken up into 4 main programmatic spaces and 2 important spaces that prove to be essential in helping an individual be vulnerable and comfortable. therapy and counseling yoga and meditation massage therapy thermal baths the entry transitional spaces
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| the spaces |
the entry At first approach, the entry is placed at the South end of the building closest to the built city of Denver. Upon entering the space, individuals are welcomed to the reception area prior to using the facilities further in the project.
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storage
office
break room
office
reception area
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the entry . At first approach, the entry is placed at the South end of the building closest to the built city of Denver. Upon entering the space, individuals are welcomed to the receptionists area prior to using the facilities further in the project.
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| the spaces |
therapy An integral part of the project is the therapy/counseling area where communication and psychotherapy is studied to help individuals learn more about holistic health or to better understand their social engagement and contentment. The therapy rooms are expressed on the exterior by being stretched vertically in height. Before entering the therapy rooms, small waiting areas are provided with a long, narrow slit of transparency whereas the therapy rooms have a larger framed view of the landscape for reflection upon sessions.
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| the spaces |
therapy room
storage
meditation room
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therapy room
break room
storage room
the therapy and counselling spaces. As you move through the project, the programmatic spaces are placed in the rear to uphold the importance in a strong relationship with the landscape. Before entering therapy spaces, there is a small niche for a waiting area that gives an individual a more private space from a transitional, busy area.
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yoga and meditation The human body benefits from the engagement of yoga through physical and mental means while meditation focuses on the act of mindfulness and engaging in the act of relaxation. The yoga studio is located towards the west end of the building and has framed views of the natural landscape. Adjacent to the studio is an outdoor yoga or meditative space for more independent-based actions in the external environment.
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yoga studio
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meditation area
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massage therapy An important aspect of holistic health is the use of massage therapy to relax, reduce stress/tension, and promote muscle relaxation for an individual. This area of the project is in close proximity to the changing rooms and thermal baths for accessibility and has no framed view of the landscape to focus on the internal means of the program. Located within both massage rooms are private showers.
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storage/ break room waiting room
massage room
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check-in
massage room
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thermal baths The use of hydrotherapy and experiencing a number of different water temperatures while relaxing can help an individual release tension, help create a comfortable & relaxing environment to unwind, and can help one clear their head. The thermal baths are located at the west end of the project with panoramic views of the mountains. A hot pool, a warm pool, and a plunge pool are separated by thick, stone walls to limit sight lines and create a sense of privacy within the space.
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warm pool
storage
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hot pool
plunge pool
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transitional spaces Transitioning from a lobby/vestibule-like area into the more private section of the project (where individuals need to change) are indoor tunnels covered in rectilinear wooden slats. The horizontal wooden slats are meant to bring warmth into the project while drawing the user from one end of a tunnel to the other, signifying a sense of movement rather than pause or rest. The indoor transitional spaces have skylights with wooden slat connections that allow for slits of natural light to enter the space while purposefully having no direct relationship to the outdoor landscape.
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Initial studies on the transitional spaces repeated throughout the project. These early studies of the tunnel-like conditions were thought to work as a connection in creating relationships between the separate programs. The natural element of wood is used in repetition as an impetus to choreograph a sense of movement before approaching places of pause or rest. 99
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“The happy life is thought to be one of excellence; now an excellent life requires exertion, and does not consist in amusement. If Eudaimonia, or happiness, is activity in accordance with excellence, it is reasonable that it should be in accordance with the highest excellence; and this will be that of the best thing in us.� - Aristotle, The Nicomachean Ethics
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a space for holistic eudaimonia 104