‘We shape our buildings and afterward our buildings shape us’ (Winston Churchill). This thesis asked how could our environments change if we designed for our evolutionary needs; does a reinterpretation of Browning’s biophilic principles provide an improved architectural solution that caters for our emotional wellbeing? This thesis redefined 6 of Williams Browning’s biophilic principles. The resulting architecture of the University of Melbourne Fishermans Bend Campus Hub implemented the revised principles proposed by the thesis. The aim of the resulting architecture is to create an architectural solution that provides an environment that is focused on user wellbeing. As discussed throughout this thesis the benefits of using human centric nature based architectural design solutions are profound. The campus hub will be integral in shaping the experience of students throughout their study journey. We shape our buildings and afterward our buildings shape us. Architecture can shape our wellbeing and help to improve the statistic of 1 in 6 Australian university students experience a form of mental distress during their time at university. The identity of us is about creating buildings that respond to our needs as humans and work towards improving our experiences.
The Identity of Us _ Architectural Thesis 2020 _ Page 193
