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ABSTRACT
How often does an individual brief his architect or designer that he wishes his space could improve the quality of his mental and physical well-being? The author, through her research, is discovering factors that invoke happiness in humans in an attempt to help individuals fight the battle of mental health. She is pursuing the same by understanding the critical design elements that help improve an individual’s mental and physical health. Today, the millennial generation frequently link themselves to "stress", and "depression", often without a clinical diagnosis. Owing to this widespread misguided use, a large group of the aware target audience is hungry for a place where they can unwind, discover happiness, attain a stressfree state, and just be whomever they wish to be in that time and space. Through this thesis the author is trying to design a happy space and is envisioning it as an unwinding zone for individuals who may or may not be suffering from mental disorders. The scope of this research is limited to spaces in universities, focusing on a target audience of the age group between 18 and 26 years. Further, this research explores methods to address the stigma that people suffer every day through spatial design and planning. Through surveys conducted, over a period of three months, on individuals visiting or inhabiting institutional areas, the author has tried to understand the psychology of the users. Through research, we cannot state or prove the definite manner in which one can achieve a sense of happiness. Just as there are two sides to each coin, this phenomenon is dependant on the person, which makes it intangible and difficult to test. This study will help us examine if the act of an individual adopting a space, created for unwinding, is defined by any physical element of that space. It will also enlist various other factors that influence such design environments chosen by young individuals for unwinding.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would first like to thank my thesis advisor Ms.JEYANTHI NADESALINGAM and Ms RUCHIRA SARIN. The door to my professor’s was always open whenever I ran into a trouble spot or had a question about my research and design. They consistently allowed my design to be my own work, but steered me in the right the direction whenever they thought I needed it.
A special thanks to my counsellor Ms.Anne Philip (M.psych) for helping me achieve my goals and guiding me through some of the toughest phases. A special mention to my very dear friend Ms.Tamanna Chauhan a practicing Psychotherapist for guiding me and helping me with a few live case studies and giving me an insight to all the queries I had.
I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to my mentors Mr. Mike Knowles , Ms. Sheeba Khan , Ms. Simrun Sethi and Ms. Tapasya Samal for their patience in helping me deal with various difficulties through the entire process. Under their guidance it was possible for me to to finish every stage of the project systematically.
I would also like to thank my family and friends who were involved in my surveys for the research. Without their passionate participation and input, the surveys could not have been successfully conducted.
Finally, I must express my very profound gratitude to my parents for providing me with unfailing support and continuous encouragement throughout the journey and through the process of researching and writing this thesis. This accomplishment would not have been possible without them.
-NAIN LULLA
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CASE STUDY
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WINDHOVER : MEDITATION CENTRE IN STANFORD UNIVERSITY
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INTRODUCTION
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ABOUT THE BUILDING
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FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE DESIGN
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KEY FINDINGS
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WORDS AND EMOTIONS THAT THE SPACE EVOKE
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BUDDHIST SHRINE , CHINA
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INTRODUCTION
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KEY FINDINGS
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WORDS AND EMOTIONS THAT THE SPACE EVOKE
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MEDITATION HALL IN EASTERN CHINA
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INTRODUCTION
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WORDS AND EMOTIONS THAT THE SPACE EVOKE
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OSHO DHAM,NEW DELHI
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INTRODUCTION
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THE DESIGN
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POSITIVE ELEMENTS
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NEGATIVE ELEMENTS
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GNOSTIC CENTRE
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INTRODUCTION
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POSITIVE ELEMENTS
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NEGATIVE ELEMENTS
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ZORBA THE BUDDHA
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INTRODUCTION
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POSITIVE ELEMENTS
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NEGATIVE ELEMENTS
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AUROVILLE
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INTRODUCTION
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EVOLUTIONARY PRINCIPLE
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INNER CHAMBER
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Maheshwari (South Pillar)
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Mahakali (North Pillar)
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Mahalakshmi (East Pillar)
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Mahasaraswati (West Pillar)
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COLOURS OF MEDITATION ROOMS
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GARDEN NAMES
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THE MAIN ELEMENTS
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THE PETALS
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THE COLUMNS
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THE GOLDEN DISCS
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THE CRYSTAL GLOBE
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THE HELIOSTAT LENS
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THE LOTUS POND
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CHOICE AND SCOPE OF SUBJECT
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OBJECTIVES
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GOALS
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INTRODUCTION
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HAPPY BUILT ENVIRONMENTS
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FACTORS CONSIDERED WHILE DESIGNING A SPACE FOR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL WELLBEING
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TANGIBLE FACTORS
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NATURE
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MATERIAL
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COLOUR
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LIGHT
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INTANGIBLE FACTORS
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COMFORT
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SPACE
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AROMA
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MUSIC
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SITE SELECTION AND ANALYSIS
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SITE PICTURES
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SITE SURROUNDINGS
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REASON FOR SITE SELECTION
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CONCEPT AND DESIGN
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SPACE PLANNING
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SPACES IDENTIFIED AND USES & CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SPACES
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GROUND FLOOR
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FIRST FLOOR
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ART THERAPY ROOM - Ceramics and Sculpture & Painting and Sketching
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ABOUT THE SPACE
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YOGA ROOM
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Types of Yoga:
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Hatha Yoga:
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Ashtanga Yoga:
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Power Yoga:
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Bikram Yoga:
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Jivamukti Yoga:
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Iyengar Yoga:
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Anusara Yoga:
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Sivananda Yoga:
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Viniyoga:
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Kundalini Yoga:
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Yin Yoga:
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ABOUT THE SPACE
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MEDITATION ROOM
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BENEFITS OF MEDITATION
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ABOUT THE SPACE
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AUDITORIUM
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ABOUT THE SPACE
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HUMAN LIBRARY
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ABOUT THE SPACE
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WRITING ROOM
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ABOUT THE SPACE
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MUSIC ROOM
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ABOUT THE SPACE
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COUNSELLOR SECTION
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REFERENCES
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SURVEY
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CASE STUDY
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WINDHOVER : MEDITATION CENTRE IN STANFORD UNIVERSITY
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INTRODUCTION Windhover is a spiritual refuge on the Stanford University campus meant to both inspire and promote personal renewal. Named for the series of paintings by Nathan Oliveira that grace its walls, Windhover provides an environment for quiet reflection throughout the day for Stanford students, faculty, and staff.
Stanford understands the unique pressures that faculty, staff, and especially students face at a highly competitive university. By offering easy access to a venue explicitly devoted to relieving stress and invigorating the spirit, without explicit religious reference, the university hopes that its community members will become happier and more productive. Windhover embodies the message that, in the 21st century, the quality of intellectual endeavor is directly linked to the fulfillment of emotional and spiritual needs. The hope is that the environment will be appreciated not just for what one sees, but how one feels and how that experience contributes to overall well-being. The university envisions that community members will visit regularly to replenish their inner spirits—the source of their creativity, energy, and endurance. Windhover is not intended to replace a visit to Memorial Church, the Center for Inter-Religious Community, Learning and Experiences, a walk in the Rodin Sculpture Garden, a hike up to the Dish, a visit to the Cantor Center for Visual arts, or a lunch under the eucalyptus trees. For many community members, however, this will be their sanctuary—a place to re-establish balance and find 9
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tranquility. For those who choose to visit, Windhover is intended to offset the personal cost that can be entailed by students, faculty and staff striving to reach pinnacle of their fields.1
ABOUT THE BUILDING Windhover is a contemplative center located in the heart of campus. The building is accessible by ID card to Stanford students, staff and faculty. Art by Nathan Oliveira inspired both its name and its construction. Windhover, an elegant and natural space, was designed by Aidlin Darling Design, a San Francisco architectural firm. Uniting the artist’s aesthetic and the artworks themselves, the building reflects a keen understanding of the mission. Its simple lines communicate a design for meditative thought. The team at Aidlin Darling felt that even the approach to the building should contribute to the contemplative process. Approaching the space, one is guided alongside the building, with only glimpses of the interior revealed. As visitors move forward, elements of nature surround them. At the rear of the building, a reflection pond offers light and expansive windows afford a range of views of the art. Filtered light floods the site, creating a beautifully balanced atmosphere. Corten steel, rammed earth walls, stone, glass, and water are brought together to deepen the natural feeling, immersing visitors in a calm state.2
1
https://windhover.stanford.edu/about-0
2
https://windhover.stanford.edu/center
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FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE DESIGN Artist Nathan Oliveira created the Windhover series, inspired by the kestrels swooping above the Stanford foothills, to evoke the feeling of flight and detachment from the everyday; it was his wish that the paintings be displayed together in a place set aside for contemplation. Recognizing the need on campus for a space for students to relieve stress and gain a greater perspective of one's life and the world in general, Stanford University sought to create a non-denominational space for contemplation, a space that would be inspired by and display paintings from Oliveira's Windhover series. The University wanted to avoid creating a museum-like environment in search of a more organic space that engaged nature in some manner while providing a refuge from the intensity of daily life. The Contemplation Center is intended for quiet reflection throughout the day for any Stanford student, faculty, or staff member, as well as for members of the larger community.3
3
https://www.world-architects.com/en/architecture-news/reviews/windhover-contemplation-center
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KEY FINDINGS 1. The sanctuary is located in the heart of the campus on a former parking lot adjacent to a natural oak grove. 2. Thick rammed earth walls and wood surfaces further heighten the visitor’s sensory experience acoustically, tactilely, olfactorily, as well as visually. 3. Water, in conjunction with landscape, is used throughout as an aid for contemplation; fountains within the main gallery and the courtyard provide ambient sound while a still reflecting pool to the south reflects the surrounding trees. 4. Dark stained wood oak flooring and slatted wooden ceilings. 5. Intended for quiet reflection through out the day for any student or faculty. 6. Unification of art, architecture and design is used in a way where the spirit is both replenish & invigorate. 7. To facilitate meditation through art and nature. 8. Lots of natural light.Glass usage helps connect the interior spaces with the exterior spaces.
WORDS AND EMOTIONS THAT THE SPACE EVOKE • PEACEFUL • SERENE • MINIMILISTIC • TRANSPARENT • ABUNDANT AMOUNT OF NATURAL LIGHT 12
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• TRANQUILITY • CALM • WELL BALANCED • INTERACTS WITH ALL THE FIVE SENSES
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BUDDHIST SHRINE , CHINA
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INTRODUCTION
Project info Waterside: Buddhist shrine Location: tangshan, hebei, china Project type: religious building Design company: archstudio Architecture team: han wenqiang, jiang zhao, li xiaoming Structural design: zhang fuhua
Land area: about 500 sqm Building area: 169 sqm Design time: 2015.04—2015.08 Construction time: 2015.10—2017.014
Located within a forest by the riverside in hebei, china, this buddhist shrine has been developed by archstudio as a place for meditation and contemplation. the design team began by noticing a mound along the river, behind which is a great stretch of open fields and sporadic greenhouses. from that point on, the architects sought to create a connection between building and nature by hiding the shrine right under the mound. in that sense, the place gains a ‘power of perception – where trees, water, buddha and human coexist’. 5
4
https://www.designboom.com/architecture/archstudio-waterside-buddhist-shrine-china-05-09-2017/
5
https://www.designboom.com/architecture/archstudio-waterside-buddhist-shrine-china-05-09-2017/
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Archstudio conceived the plan of the shrine as branches extending under the existing forest. furthermore, all trees on the site have been maintained and respected by constructing carefully around their trunks. the final result is a building with five independent yet continuous spaces created by two axes — one going north-south and the other along the river.6
The ‘branches’ represent five spaces of different functions — the entrance, the buddhist meditation room, the tea room, the living room, and the bathroom — that ultimately create fluid spatial sequence. the entrance faces two trees, under which people need to walk into the building through a narrow path. meanwhile, the shrine is against the wall and facing the water, where light and shadow get through the skylight and flow into the interior space along the curved wall, exaggerating the light of buddha. meanwhile, the tea room opens completely to the pool which is filled with lotus and trees on both sides. finally, the lounge is separated from other spaces by a bamboo courtyard.7
The relationship with nature further extends to the use of materials. pine wood was used for the concrete formwork, allowing the wood’s natural grain and vertical textures to appear on the resulting interior surfaces. finally, custom-made built-in-furniture is built with wood strips, with a grey wood grain which is a little different from the concrete walls.8
KEY FINDINGS • Cement grouting with white pebbles is adopted for the outdoor flooring • Carefully thought out circulation routes create a sense of spatial flow • Curved walls form part of an inviting spatial sequence • Smooth terrazzo is used for the interior floor • solid wood is used for all doors and windows
6
https://www.designboom.com/architecture/archstudio-waterside-buddhist-shrine-china-05-09-2017/
7
https://www.designboom.com/architecture/archstudio-waterside-buddhist-shrine-china-05-09-2017/
8
https://www.designboom.com/architecture/archstudio-waterside-buddhist-shrine-china-05-09-2017/
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WORDS AND EMOTIONS THAT THE SPACE EVOKE • PEACEFUL • SERENE • MINIMILISTIC • TRANSPARENT • ABUNDANT AMOUNT OF NATURAL LIGHT • TRANQUILITY • CALM • WELL BALANCED • INTERACTS WITH ALL THE FIVE SENSES
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MEDITATION HALL IN EASTERN CHINA
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INTRODUCTION
The project is located in a residential community adjacent to a natural wetland in the suburb of Cangzhou. The design brief is to transform a series of retail spaces into a place to hold Zen meditation, yoga, and other related activities, providing the local resident with a tranquil retreat inside the community, responding to the image of the wetland landscape. However, a highway disconnects the natural wetland and the noisy commercial street where the out-to-be-quiet meditation space is situated. These mismatched spatial situations intrigued the architectural motive in the project. The original space of the single-storey shops was strongly defined by the linearly arranged columns and beams along the central axis. A series of spatial units containing different activities are scattered within this original spatial structure, forming the continuous yet circuitous public area, namely the passages and the water hallway. In these public spaces, one cannot perceive the original load-bearing structures. This, together with the hidden inner corner of space and the diffusive light, leads to the perception that space seems to flow without ends, forming a kind of outdoor experience. Whereas in the “inner” world – the entrance space, the waiting room and wardrobe, the main hall and private classrooms, the restroom – each chamber is defined by its scale and spatial quality respectively. The section of the individual rooms is designed to correspond to the “inner-outer” motive of the spatial program. Through the horizontal gaps between wooden louvers, the soft natural light is reflected by the water into the main hall. The image that four huge columns rising from the water 19
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and the vessel being lifted together synthesizes an analogy, as though the whole meditation hall is a protective shelter for an archaeological site on the wetland, creating an imaginary “wetland� in meditation.
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The columns now delineate a long corridor that runs around the building's main timber-clad meditation hall. Murky-green slate tiles form the elevated walkway, which runs alongside a shallow pool of water – intended as a subtle visual nod to the marshy landscape outdoors. Expansive windows on the building's front elevation have been covered with slim steel lamellas, allowing only a small amount of natural light to seep through to the interiors and thus create a dark, reflective setting for guests.Tall wild fronds – flat leaf plants – that rise up from planters on the exterior facade also provide further shadowing.
Surrounding walls in the corridor have been panelled in warm-hued wood. Some of the panels double-up as doors that can be pulled back to reveal the walls of the meditation hall, which are made up of layers of timber fins.Decoration has been kept simple with a couple of seating cushions, long benches and black pendant lamps that dangle down from the ceiling.The rest of the building holds a handful of other classrooms, which will be used for activities like yoga, tea ceremonies, or Ikebana – the Japanese art of flower arrangement.Some of these spaces are punctuated by large glazed openings which look through to small bamboo garden to the west side of the building.
WORDS AND EMOTIONS THAT THE SPACE EVOKE • PEACEFUL • SERENE • MINIMILISTIC • TRANSPARENT • TRANQUILITY • CALM • WELL BALANCED • INTERACTS WITH ALL THE FIVE SENSES • MINIMAL AMOUNT OF NATURAL LIGHT, YET VERY POSITIVE AND WELCOMING • RELAXING
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OSHO DHAM,NEW DELHI
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INTRODUCTION About 30 miles south of Delhi, Oshodham has blossomed on the outskirts of Delhi offering a clean, green, aesthetic and peaceful environment for those on the inner journey. In tune with nature, a beautiful space has been created for group and individual meditations both indoors and outdoors. The cherubic sound of gurgling water bodies and fountains with the chirping of birds help the meditators to go deep on the path of awareness through meditation. Today, meditators from all over India and abroad converge here to meditate and celebrate. Over 150 people can be accommodated to take part in three-day or three weeks meditation camps and groups. Oshodham is open all round the year for meditations. 
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THE DESIGN On our conversation with one of the Practioner/Worker there we found out that there was a design motive behind the use of black for the entire exterior of the space. He said “ As humans we all tend to find peace and satisfaction with ourselves, though we might show a completely different picture to the people who are closely associated with us. At osho we help individuals to move from Darkness (black) to Brightness (white).” They have various meditative programs which help an individual to find themselves and increase “DHYAN” in their day to day life. Through their programs they try to change your Thoughts to Thoughtless. 26
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POSITIVE ELEMENTS 1. Perfect balance between black & white. 2. Very positive space. 3. Thoughtful landscaping. 4. High ceiling in the outdoor meditation hall gave the feeling of expanse and openness 5. Very clean surroundings.
NEGATIVE ELEMENTS 1. Use of technology was allowed. 2. The reception did not evoke the sense of what the are is actually built for. 3. The canteen was in the outdoor. 4. A person has to pre-register, one cannot just go and meditate.
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GNOSTIC CENTRE
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INTRODUCTION The Gnostic Centre is a research centre for the growth of consciousness. Its vision and work is to create and establish a prototype of the universities of tomorrow, which Sri Aurobindo considered as one of the best means of preparing the future humanity to receive the new consciousness that will transform human nature and society. The Key words of this evolving Academy of the Future are: Aspiration, Integration and Transformation. Therefore, we call upon all those who have an aspiration towards this new light of consciousness and knowledge to join us.In order to establish lifelong and continuous education, the Centre offers programs in areas such as: Integral Psychology, Teacher Education, Green Practices, Self Development, Conscious Leadership, Indian Studies, Arts and Culture, etc. In addition, the Centre also houses an innovative preschool called L’avenir.
The Gnostic centre in Gurgaon has a : • Pre-schhol • Library • Gym • Yoga Room • Meditation Room • Auditorium • Admin Space 30
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• Accommodation for staff and Visitors • Agriculture Land for cultivation of fruits and vegetables • Cafetaria
POSITIVE ELEMENTS • Landscaping was beautifully done and taken care of. • The space was extremely positive. • Meditation Hall compared to the other case studies conducted was the best. It was beautifully designed , colour scheme used was soothing to the eyes. The temperature maintained in the hall was perfect , the aroma gave a very good vibe. There was a window right in the centre of the room which was the focal point overlooking the landscape and providing just the mount of natural light required. • Very clean surroundings. • The library was very well lit and had an organised seating pattern. • All the main areas were designed in a circular manner keeping the Aurbindo Mother element alive is all the spaces. • Anyone could enter the space to meditate and go unwind themselves in the beautiful surroundings with peacocks everywhere.
NEGATIVE ELEMENTS • The canteen was in the outdoor.
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ZORBA THE BUDDHA
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INTRODUCTION Zorba the Buddha is one of the largest open faith spiritual centers in the world hosting up to 400 programmes and events in an year fostering creative and spiritual growth. We attract world renowned teachers and international participants making this an ever-evolving eco-village. It is living piece of art in which seekers from the realms of spirituality, creativity and social welfare flourish in synchronicity. Their programs are designed to foster spiritual and creative growth. In close communion with nature we offer courses and residential retreats in meditation, wellness therapies, creative arts, music and a lot more. Situated on the green outskirts of Delhi our mystical eco-village provides a haven where soulful seekers from all over can amble along tranquil gardens and reflective ponds, experiencing exotic birds and vegetation. Our architecture is a blend of contemporary design and organic bamboo-mudthatch construction.
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Zorba the Buddha provides an ideal backdrop in which all partakers experience rejuvenation and revelation. Igniting all senses; from witnessing beautiful greenery, to listening to nature’s quiet symphony, and enjoying delicious organic food.
The Zorba Buddha has the following: • 3 Yoga , Meditation and Activity Rooms • 3 Lakes • 2 Outdoor activity areas • Admin area • Separate are for their Director • Accommodation for staff and Visitors • Angels’s Landing ( meeting space)
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POSITIVE ELEMENTS • Water bodies made the space feel very serene. • Thoughtful Landscaping • Use of natural materials for construction made you feel connected. • One of the meditation rooms had a double height glass which provided loads of natural light making the space bright and better compared to the other rooms.
NEGATIVE ELEMENTS • The meditation , activity areas were extremely dull, boring and depressing.The materiality and the colours used was one of the main reason for this. You had the combination of brown and red which made the space extremely chlostophobic. • Furniture was arranged in a very haphazard way. • The space felt extremely commercial • The staff was not welcoming • A person has to pre-register, one cannot just go and meditate. • An individual is suppose to pay an entrance fees to just visit the space for an hour.
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AUROVILLE
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INTRODUCTION The Matrimandir (Sanskrit for Temple of The Mother) is an edifice of spiritual significance for practitioners of Integral yoga, in the centre of Auroville established by The Mother of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. It is called soul of the city and is situated in a large open space called Peace. Matrimandir does not belong to any particular religion or section.
The Matrimandir took 37 years to build, from the laying of the foundation stone at sunrise on 21 February 1971 - the Mother’s 93rd birthday - to its completion in May 2008. It is in the form of a huge sphere surrounded by twelve petals. The Geodesic dome is covered by golden discs and reflects sunlight, which gives the structure its characteristic radiance. Inside the central dome is a meditation hall known as the inner chamber - this contains the largest optically-perfect glass globe in the world. The Matrimandir, and its surrounding gardens in the central Peace Area, is open to the public by appointment. The four main pillars that support the structure of Matrimandir, and carry the Inner Chamber, have been set at the four main directions of the compass. These four pillars are symbolic of the four aspects of the mother as described by Sri Aurobindo, and are named after these four aspects.
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EVOLUTIONARY PRINCIPLE The name ‘Matrimandir’ means literally ‘Temple of the Mother’. According to Sri Aurobindo’s teaching, the ‘Mother’ concept stands for the great evolutionary, conscious and intelligent principle of Life, the Universal Mother, – which seeks to help humanity move beyond its present limitations into the next step of its evolutionary adventure, the supra-mental consciousness.
At the very centre of Auroville one finds the ‘soul of the city’, the Matrimandir, situated in a large open area called ‘Peace’, from where the future township will radiate outwards. The atmosphere is quiet and charged, and the area beautiful, even though at present large parts of it are still under construction.
As yet incomplete, the Matrimandir emerges as a large golden sphere which seems to be rising out of the earth, symbolizing the birth of a new consciousness seeking to manifest. Its slow and steady progress towards completion is followed by many.9
9
https://www.archinomy.com/case-studies/matrimandir-auroville/
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INNER CHAMBER The spacious Inner Chamber in the upper hemisphere of the structure is completely white, with white marble walls and white carpeting. In the centre a pure crystal-glass globe suffuses a ray of electronically guided sunlight which falls on it through an opening at the apex of the sphere The four pillars that support the structure of Matrimandir, and carry the Inner Chamber, have been set at the four main directions of the compass.
Maheshwari (South Pillar) One is her personality of calm wideness and comprehending wisdom and tranquil benignity and inexhaustible compassion and sovereign and surpassing majesty and all-ruling greatness.
Mahakali (North Pillar) Another embodies her power of splendid strength and irresistible passion, her warrior mood, her overwhelming will, her impetuous swiftness and world-shaking force.
Mahalakshmi (East Pillar) A third is vivid and sweet and wonderful with her deep secret of beauty and harmony and fine rhythm, her intricate and subtle opulence, her compelling attraction and captivating grace.
Mahasaraswati (West Pillar) The fourth is equipped with her close and profound capacity of intimate knowledge and careful flawless work and quiet and exact perfection in all things.
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COLOURS OF MEDITATION ROOMS The above mentioned names and colours have been integrated into the sequence of the meditation rooms which are being completed inside each of the twelve petals surrounding the structure in the following order:Sincerity – light blue
•
Peace – deep blue
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Equality – blue violet
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Generosity – pure violet
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Goodness – reddish violet
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Courage – red
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Progress – orange red
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Receptivity – orange
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Aspiration – orange yellow
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Perseverance – pale yellow
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Gratitude – pale green
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Humility – deep green
(When moving from the south axis towards the east axis, the Humility room is in the first petal.)
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GARDEN NAMES
1.
Existence
2.
Consciousness
3.
Bliss
4.
Light
5.
Life
6.
Power
7.
Wealth
8.
Utility
9.
Progress
10. Youth 11. Harmony 12. Perfection
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THE MAIN ELEMENTS THE PETALS The twelve stone-clad ‘petals’ around the Matrimandir form an intrinsic part of the complex. This is not only so because they add to the image of the New Consciousness breaking forth from Matter, but also since they – as the main structure itself – are to be centres for ‘silence and concentration’ with meditation rooms built inside each of them. Each of these circular spaces carry the name and colour of one of the ‘petals’ of the Mother’s symbol, so that users can choose the appropriate space according to their need of the moment. The petals are fanning from the promenade around the pond beneath the Matrimandir and extending for over forty meters, gradually descending to ground level and the inner gardens. There are twelve pathways between the petals, four of which lead directly into Matrimandir via staircases between the pillars, and eight of which lead to the pond underneath. Each petal containS an egg-shaped meditation room corresponding in colour and vibration to qualities like sincerity, aspiration and others. Circling the big petals there are twelve smaller, mainly grass covered petals, which lead onto the inner gardens. Making the foundations of the petals started in 1992 and today the twelve petals are completed. Red Agra stone has by now covered most of them.
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THE COLUMNS The columns arrived at Matrimandir in the beginning of January 1990.They were 24-inch diameter, galvanised, seamless steel pipes, 8.65 mtr long, weighing 830 kg each. The painting job appeared straightforward and the first two were done completely in a couple of months. A dedicated team started putting in extra time, a few infra-red lights appeared to help the drying, and then even an electric polishing machine arrived to speed up the work. There are an average of 15 coats of paint on each column with finer and finer sanding between coats after which the final polishing was done.
THE GOLDEN DISCS Disc Frame
Stainless Steel Tubes
Disc Material
Stainless Steel Sheet
Gold Leaf
28 gm of Gold per 1000 leaves
Leaf Size
85Ă—85 mm
Total Number of Discs
1415
Small Convex Discs
954
Large Concave Discs
461
Average Diameter (Large Discs)
2.3 meter
Average Diameter (Small Discs)
1.5 meter
The outer skin of Matrimandir is totally covered by decorative, golden, concave and convex discs. Mounted onto the structure by a system of metal rods, they will have the practical function of shading the building from the strong sunlight of south-India.
In August 1995 the gilding of the discs started under the guidance of a master gilder from Germany. About 461 big convex discs (2.3 m diam) and 954 small (1.4 m diam) concave discs were produced. Over 100 discs were made using the method of gilding which the master gilder taught the workers at Auroville, before it was discovered that this method might not be suitable. Birds and bees, attaching themselves to the gold discs forced a reconsideration of this method of gilding. 45
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By October 1996 no doubts were left about the best solution for the golden discs. After several months of research in Asia and Europe, the method was chosen of encasing the gold leaf between two thin layers of glass, sealed at the edges, to yield something like a 4 x 4 cm gold ’tile’. It offers a solution which answers not only requirements of durability but also easy maintenance. The gold will be safe inside the glass which can be scrubbed, brushed and sprayed. Replacement of one or more of the gold tiles can also be done easily.The gold leaves were manufactured in Germany and are of a high quality (28 g of gold per 1000 leaves). About 18 kilos of gold was used – 750,000 leaves in all, of about 85 x 85 mm and of 8 microns thick. As of December 2000, 852 golden discs have been mounted on the structure’s skin.
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THE CRYSTAL GLOBE The seventy centimeter diameter ‘crystal’ globe, the only one of its kind, is the biggest optically perfect glass globe ever made in the world. On arrival at Madras Airport in April 1991, it was passed through customs in record time and driven straight to Auroville. The next morning it was hoisted in its packing crate up to the Inner Chamber.
THE HELIOSTAT LENS
The heliostat is controlled by a computer program, which moves a mirror across the sun’s path every day. This mirror projects sunlight into a lens, that projects the single sun ray down on the crystal. To make sure that the ray strikes the crystal exactly in the centre, a photo sensor is installed 47
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in the path of the ray itself and relays the data on the ray’s position to the computer, which in turn will adjust the ray to the correct position if necessary. The heliostat, fixed on the top of Matrimandir, is a device for tracking the sun and projecting a single ray of sunlight onto the crystal globe inside the Inner Chamber. The amount of light and heat on the crystal globe was studied by French and German engineers. The present heliostat was fabricated at Matrimandir itself and its components were ready for assembly in September of 1993. Tests were carried out to satisfaction by August 1994. In May of the next year a 45 centimeter diameter lens with focal length of thirty meter (manufactured in India) was installed for focusing the sun ray in a converging beam that strikes the globe inside the chamber. The gilded symbols of Sri Aurobindo supporting the globe have a base with a small hole and a second lens, which refocuses the light beam to become visible in the lotus pool under the Matrimandir.
THE LOTUS POND Sitting quietly beneath the inner chamber, next to lotus pond one can hear chirping birds, accompanied by the wind finding its way trough all four sides of the sky, and by the gentle sound of water cascading down over the lotus petals toward the small crystal ball. Timeless and yet so present, one might drift in a sweet oblivion of a peaceful moment.
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CHOICE AND SCOPE OF SUBJECT The author will be researching on the mental health and the problem we as a a country are facing. To study the pattern of the people who are going through this and how they face the stigma of going through this by the people around them on a daily basis. To analyse what are the main factors that are actually causing this problem at such a big level. To read and analyse what are the factors that are needed to be included for a change in our surroundings. To study ( in terms of spaces ) what is it that actually causes happiness and sadness across the people going through this problem.
OBJECTIVES 1. To try and help people heal themselves without medication and just through space design. 2. Create spaces in such a way that it shall try to kill the stigma and taboo of mental health. 3. Try and solve this “ What are you’ll doing for your mental health? Are you’ll crying? Are you feeling your feelings? Are you getting help? What are you doing for you? Let’s talk about it.
GOALS My goals that I have set are as follows: 1. Try and kill the stigma, and make it look like any other problem. Just because it’s not physical and you cannot visually see it, doesn’t mean it does not exist. 2. To try and develop spaces or ways etc to heal the problem and reduce drug intake for this as much as possible. We need to understand that drug intake for this problem is an extremely temporary solution , we need to look at something permanent and look for something which actually does not seem like a treatment it should become part of the lifestyle.
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INTRODUCTION
The area that the author wishes to work on her thesis would be to help people recover mental illness by means of design. We are unfortunately living in an era where we all want to achieve so much and don’t give ourselves enough time to achieve the same.The reason the author really wants to do something in this field is because she herself has suffered through this since the past few years, and she exactly knows how difficult it is and how desperately there is a need for a solution and to kill the taboo of mental health.
According to qualitative analysis, people with mental illness are likely to avoid discussing their mental health concerns openly due to the fear of being labelled or judged,” the survey said. “Furthermore, some people believe that mental illness can only happen to people who are ‘mentally weak’ and people who have ‘too much money and time.’ For these individuals, seeking support from a mental health professional is seen to be a sign of ‘weakness’.”
India is the most depressed country in the world, followed by China and the USA, according to the World Health Organisation. As per this statistical analysis India, China, and the USA are highly affected by anxiety, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
A study reported in WHO, conducted for the NCMH (National Care Of Medical Health), states that at least 6.5 per cent of the Indian population suffers from some form of the severe mental disorder, with no discernible rural-urban differences. Though there is no dearth of effective treatment measures, there is an absolute shortage of mental health workers like psychologists, and psychiatrists. As per the latest report from 2014, the number was as low as ''one in 100,000 people”. India also has a high suicide rate of 10.9 for one lakh, and the majority of people committing suicide are below the age of 44.
We are living in an era where we want to move mountains, but do not give ourselves the required time for the same. Mental inadequacy has always been neglected in the discourse of human well-being. The stigma of being labelled as “mentally unwell” creates fear, negatively impacting our lives, and discouraging people to communicate their problems and accept the 51
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required help. The authors’ personal experience with those battling mental health issues, and the added shame they face, has led her to a path of finding solutions to inculcate the importance of mental health. She wishes to establish that it is the same as any other fitness battle we face, and yearns to narrow the gap between physical and mental health dimensions.
The author has researched factors invoking joy in a human being, intending to record factors which, through design, promote happiness, leading to a better quality of life. She aims to correlate factors impacting mental and physical health, such as mindfulness, connection and functionality, with factors depending on spatial characteristics.
The author wants to understand the impact of physical characteristics, such as design, on a human. She also wants to understand the effect of functional and non-functional aspects of an environment, such as light, colour, spatial psychology, and cardinal directions, on the health and well-being of an individual.
A major constraint in the field of research is the meaning of happiness across individuals, cultures, regions, and so on. Happiness is perceived differently by different people. Its impacts on the well-being of a person are varied. As humans, we respond and behave independently in each situation. There isn't any law stating how an individual should react to a given situation. We possess diverse mindsets and complex thoughts that define "happiness" for us. Sonja Lyubomirsky, vice-chair of psychology at the University of California, has researched the question of what happiness is and its key ingredients for many years. She explains hedonic happiness as a feeling of positivity from moment-to-moment. It is a subjective term that defining how happiness can be attained through an increase in pleasure and decrease in pain. In an attempt to estimate this, surveys are done asking people about the emotions felt by them. Many psychologists equate hedonic happiness to life satisfaction. A good measurement is thought to be the amount of satisfaction people felt with their lives. Alongside, they are inquired about their desire to have a different life and their wish to trade their life. Both factors that indicate low lifesatisfaction. One obstacle faced with this is our inability to recognise the emotion felt by us at that moment. Furthermore, the term "life satisfaction" is based upon several non-quantifiable factors such as the childhood of a person. Lyubomirsky closely relates life satisfaction to the third view of happiness: desire fulfilment. Pragmatists, like economists, frequently associate happiness with the achievement of desire. They believe that as long as one gets what they want, 52
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they are happy. Eudaimonic wellbeing, as this approach is called, relies on self-actualisation. It measures if people are flourishing in all domains of life. Lyubomirsky believes she is a hedonist, defining the term by the amount of positive and negative emotions experienced by one. The concern with eudaimonia is that it plateaus after a point of maxima has been reached. Daniel Gilbert, a psychology professor at Harvard University, happiness expert and author of Stumbling on Happiness, has expressed his opinions on the matter stating that once the basic human needs have been met, a lot more money does not make for a lot more happiness. In fact, he says, it may lead to enhanced levels of stress. A classic example of this is a migrant whose wage has roughly doubled from the movement to the city, but the level of happiness is seen to be lower than the rural population. We can often see this effect in our daily lives in people who resort to shopping as a means of comfort.
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HAPPY BUILT ENVIRONMENTS Happiness; it is an incredibly important but often overlooked aspect of our lives. It can result in improved productivity in the workplace and better learning in students. Most importantly, it can drastically improve the quality of life encapsulating both physical and mental health.
The environment constructed around us is regarded to have an extremely powerful bearing on our feelings. Since we spend a large part (80%) of our time in these places, this effect is pronounced.
It would be extremely difficult to formalise a single colour, texture or pattern that everyone would be able to consume to reach a state of bliss. Each individual has their preference, but as designers, the author believes, they need to discover and build a platform which focuses on maximum people. While designing, the following factors that are based on research findings and are a part of our learning outcomes should be kept in mind: mindfulness, connection, and authenticity.
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FACTORS CONSIDERED WHILE DESIGNING A SPACE FOR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL WELLBEING Through analysis, the author has tried to segregate the factors into two main categories.
TANGIBLE FACTORS While happiness is a nebulous concept in itself, the author has sought to find concrete ways to enable a person to be happy. She considers tangible factors to be the ones that can be manipulated by a designer like herself and describes how they can be used to someone's advantage.
NATURE Spending time in nature has been shown to unequivocally improve our happiness and mental wellbeing, regardless of other factors. It has been proven that it reduces stress, improves our memories, and makes us more sensitive and more creative. It is next to impossible to overstate the goodness nature for our minds and well-being.
We as designers should maximize accessibility to nature for individuals. Plants and trees offer several benefits to uplift the mood, create a sense of happiness, and provide us with emotional 55
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rewards associated with caring and nurturing a living thing. Additionally, they purify the air we breathe, simultaneously improving our physical and psychological wellbeing. Simply adding a planter to an existing room or integrating an existing tree into a new building can vastly change the outlook of the entire space. Although sometimes it might not to be feasible to incorporate greenery to our internal spaces, a good substitute to which is to maximize nature views.
Besides the element of green, water plays a vital role in promoting calmness in individuals influencing the well-being of an individual. The effect of water can be easily observed by recollecting history. We see that the four major early civilisations were constructed around rivers; it provided significant benefits relating to food and trade. Studies have admittedly revealed that proximity to water induces positivity, happiness and calmness.
There are also many historical and vernacular examples of pools and fountains, all of Mughal Architecture followed this principle as well.
Illustration of the Salk Institue by Louis Kahn
Landscape design offers the best opportunity, as water can be included in gardens in the form of ponds, streams or fountains as at Louis Kahn’s Salk Institute.
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MATERIAL
Materials make up the energy and spirit of the place. Inculcating the feel, the sound, and the smell, materials become major determinants in how we experience the space. As Zumthor, highly regarded for his honest use of materials, states, "We must constantly ask ourselves what the use of a particular material could mean in a specific architectural context.�
Farewell Chapel / OFIS Arhitekti | ArchDaily
A good rule of thumb is to try to maximize the use of natural materials - stone, brick, and wood. They have substance, texture, and depth, allowing our vision to penetrate their surfaces and narrating a story with their age and history. While preferred, natural materials may not always be easily accessible. In such times, artificial materials should be used keeping in mind, to heighten their energy.
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Through case studies, it was discovered that the spaces that are created for meditation and finding oneself usually consisted of natural materials such as mud, thatched roofs, bamboo, cane, and natural wood furniture. Hence proving that materials which promote nature in interiors increase an individual’s level of peace, happiness and concentration. It’s crucial to celebrate materials for their natural beauty rather than disguising them.
One of the most renowned modernist architects, Frank Lyodd Wright, is remembered for his authentic use of materials. Anne - Cartin Schultz comments, “Wright develops the ideal that every material must be in accordance with its nature on the basis of a characteristic grammar that honors the material and its own striving for form. Characters such as grain, structure and colour determine its colour and its use.
The Dutch artist, Theo Van Doesburg suggested that the inner energy of a material is heightened by its proper use. “When reinforced concrete was first used correctly, the tension, the energy of the concrete came into its own in such a way that architecture was unintentionally, without aesthetic ulterior motives, enriched by a new kind of beauty.
COLOUR
Colour is another aspect that changes the visual experience of a space. Colour psychology is an influential factor in context to happy spaces. How colour changes the perception of an individual in a particular space is a vastly researched topic.
Our feelings about colour are often deeply personal and rooted in our own experiences or culture. For example, while the colour white is used in many Western countries to represent purity and innocence, it is seen as a symbol of mourning in many Eastern countries.
Colours are known to influence people’s behaviour in various ways. While some have a calming effect, others are known to stimulate both mental and physical activity. Colours play a more 58
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prominent role in our lives than we recognise. Colours, thought to hold healing abilities, are deemed to be exceedingly influential to the human mind and body. Like numerous alternative treatments, Colour Therapy has grown in popularity over the years and is one of the most soughtafter treatments today.
Colour therapy or chromotherapy is said to have the following effects on our body and mind: •
Red is used to stimulate the body and mind and to increase circulation.
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Yellow is thought to stimulate the nerves and purify the body.
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Orange is used to heal the lungs and to increase energy levels.
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Blue is believed to soothe illnesses and treat pain.
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Indigo shades are thought to alleviate skin problems.
Though, through the survey conducted, we found that only 27.8% of people said that colour affects their mood. 87.3% of people believed sound affects their mood the most.
On my visit to Osho Dham, Delhi, I felt a lot of mental peace and physical satisfaction. Black was used for exteriors and white for all interior spaces. Through my discussion with a Practioner / Worker at the Dham, I found out the design motivation behind the use of black for the entire exterior of the space. He said “ As humans, we all tend to find peace and satisfaction with ourselves, though we might show a completely different picture to the people who are closely associated with us. At Osho, we help individuals to move from Darkness (black) to Brightness (white).”
Thus, colour does create a huge impact on how an individual reacts or feels in a particular space, making colour an important design factor which helps increase the mental and physical wellbeing of an individual.
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LIGHT
The most superior factor, exposure to Natural Daylight, is considered to impact an individual’s happiness and mental and physical well-being by Channon B. Spaces with no natural light provide us with no connection to the outside world, which could be distressing or even disorienting. The orientation of space plays an integral role in how much light each plot receives and what areas are overshadowed. A designer should try to maximize the amount of natural daylight in a room.
The author surveyed 163 people where 93.8% (150) preferred natural light over artificial light and viewed it to be one of the prime aspects inducing happiness in a space. But there are situations where the designers may face an absence in the availability of natural light. In such plots, it's important to maximize the benefits of artificial light impacting our happiness.
It is essential to decide the right range of artificial light to be used, keeping in mind the impact they have on us. While soft whites (2700-3000K) create an intimate feeling, cool whites (3500-4100K) induce energy in us. Studies have shown that one experiences emotions more intensely under bright, harsh lighting, which may deteriorate mood. Individuals may find peace and solace in dark spaces with minimal or no natural light, and Danish lighting designer, Pool Henningsen, has devoted much of his career catering to this aspect. He has designed glare-free and uniform illumination, which have been shown to reduce headaches and improve productivity.
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INTANGIBLE FACTORS
COMFORT
Comfort, which varies upon the person, is a factor that affects the mental well-being of an individual. How many of us might find our peace of mind in an area which is an unpleasant and discomforting setting? The author holds that it’s vital for an individual to feel relaxed, calm, and safe in a build environment.
Through the survey conducted, the analysis of the question “what or how would one like their escape/unwind space to be?” It was a mix of interesting reviews and understandings on how different individuals consider different space settings or arrangements to be “comfortable” or “uncomfortable”.
75.8 % of the individuals suggested that they preferred a casual approach to a space dedicated for unwinding, whereas 19.7% leaned more towards being seated on a floor for finding their comfort zone. The author herself, through her additional readings, has perceived that it's easier to find peace of mind when in direct sync with Earth or natural ground since it helps eliminate worry and anxiety from your body. Only 1.3% of the people thought that a formal set up would help them relax and reconnect with themselves.
The research showed that there are various ways in which people feel relaxed. Some said that their idea of finding their comfort was to watch Television or maybe do some reading. To find your comfort could mean going out for a walk, workout in an open gym, plonk on a couch or bean bag, or just lay flat on a carpeted floor.
There are no fixed answers to what comfort is and what one can do to find that perfect “comfort zone”. But a state of ease is an indispensable part of trying to achieve mental and physical wellness.
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SPACE Giving the appropriate amount of control of space to an individual is another contributing factor. A designer should be cognizant of the sense of belonging, ownership, and flexibility while creating these spaces for well-being. An estimated third to half of the people are introverts, preferring environments that are not overstimulating and relying on a quiet time to re-energise.
Looking at the intangible aspects of what causes mental and physical well-being is essential to understand since it's not always necessary to find a linear form of happiness, seldom to be beneficial and a sense of accomplishment can also induce positive emotions into an individual.
AROMA The sense of smell plays an important role in the physiological effects of mood, stress, and working capacity. Aromatherapy from natural products has been used for mental, spiritual and physical healing since the beginning of recorded history. It is known to improve our cognitive and physical abilities. Daily, we sense several fragrances that play an important role in impacting our mood and thus our happiness.
Recent studies have revealed that olfactory stimulation through fragrance inhalation exerts various psychophysiological effects on human beings. Electrophysiological studies have also been done, revealing that various fragrances affected spontaneous brain activities and cognitive functions. Scientifically, fragrance stimulation of olfactory receptor cells in the nose involves the interaction of fragrance molecules with olfactory-receptor proteins. This sharp sense of identification builds a sense of happiness in us quickly as we experience smells that are perceived as pleasant
MUSIC Our brains are hardwired to interpret and react emotionally to a piece of music. A natural aspect of the space we live in, the impacts of harmony are not given importance. While engaging in 62
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music regularly enhances our levels of subjective wellbeing, it has also been found to boost the immune system and catalyse recovery after surgeries. Studies have shown that it helps improve motor functions in patients recovering from strokes.8
The notes in music affect us based on our understanding of it. For most people, music featuring a fast tempo and written in a major key, also known as happy music, causes them to breathe faster, which is construed as a physical sign of happiness. On the other hand, sad music, which is usually made of minor keys and is very slow, causes a slowing of pulse and rise in blood pressure. Due to these reasons, music therapy is often used and is proven to be highly effective in treating patients suffering from depression.
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SITE SELECTION AND ANALYSIS
-KNOWLEDGE PAR
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KNOWLEDGE PARK -III, GREATER NOIDA, UP OPP. TO SHARDA UNIVERSITY LANDMARKSIIMT University United Institute of Management NCPL - KP 3 Office
MAJOR CONNECTING ROADS APJ Abdul Kalam Marg
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SITE PICTURES
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SITE SURROUNDINGS

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REASON FOR SITE SELECTION Unfortunately, we are part of a society where in Mental Health and well-being is given the least amount of importance. When we as a team of designer’s and architects are given briefs about spaces , we would have hardly ever been told by our client that the space should feel happy or design should support mental and physical well being of the user.
With my thesis I would like to make a small little contribution to change this perception through my design Ideology and spread it across to as many individuals as possible. Since, these spaces are not given importance the author would like to create a space for mental well being in the heart of the campus. She wishes it to be the selling part of this campus so that it acts as an inspiration for other campus’s as well.
We should enter and see this happy place , which promotes your mind , body and soul to be healthy. Also trying that through this area selection she could reduce the amount of individuals entering their areas of study in an irritable or unhappy state of mind.
SELECTED AREA
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CONCEPT AND DESIGN The main problem that all of us are facing in terms of space planning is the way the spaces are being treated , planned and designed. These are some of the main factors that the author analysed through her research and visits to various kinds of spaces around her.
1. Reducing the access to nature 2. Reducing opportunities for physical activities 3. Overloading the senses. 4. Eroding privacy and quiet time 5. Interrupting sleep 6. Reducing safety 7. Separating people from their social networks.
Through her design she wishes to create spaces which are creative , communal and meditative.
CREATIVE SPACES COMMUNAL SPACES MEDITATIVE SPACES
The goal through design is to get rid of Judgement ,Censorship and Criticism. 
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The four interwoven dimensions that the author has looked into for wellbeing design.
To try and improve the quality of lives of the students who spend more than half their waking hours in this space. A wellness corner might help institutes in the following manner: -Increase health and well being of students -Lower Absenteeism -Boosted Productivity -Student,Teacher & Parent Satisfaction -Increased and Improved creativity
Through design , to try and balance and play with contrary elements such as : -INTERIOR & EXTERIOR -THE LIGHT & THE DARK -CONVENTIONAL & CONTEMPORARY
We, as users of these kind of spaces should be able to activate all of our 5 senses through design, to create feelings of comfort and the aesthetic of the space should make the user feel happy,content & useful.
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The author with all her research , readings and findings listed down some of the main factors that promote physical and well being. 
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The following adjectives are best used to describe what the space would look and feel like: 1. Serene 2. Zen 3. Minimalistic 4. Mindful 5. Straight Lines 6. Peaceful 7. Emotive 8. Space & Volume 9. Balance & Propotion 10. Tranquility 11. Sedateness 12. Harmony 13. Symmetry 14. Transparency
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SPACE PLANNING The author through her research and case study analysis made sure that the centre of the space is given the maximum amount of importance and the design focus and essence of the space should come from there.
The centre of the space is a double height which is open to sky allowing maximum light and fresh air to circulate into the space.
There were various iteration done to decide which one will add maximum impact for the user.
The spaces identified in the building were based on case studies and interviews with therapists and users of the space.
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SPACES IDENTIFIED AND USES & CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SPACES
GROUND FLOOR 1. Art Therapy Room - Ceramic and Sculpture room 2. Yoga Room 3. Meditation Room 4. Auditorium 5. Human Library 6. Toilets 7. Store Room
FIRST FLOOR 1. Writing Room 2. Art Therapy Room - Painting and Sketching 3. Music Therapy Room 4. Mindfulness Colour Therapy Room 5. Counsellor Section
- 4 Office Rooms - 4 Therapy Rooms - 4 Cabins for Interns - 2 Meeting Rooms - 1 Conference Room - Lounge - TV watching area - Play area - Reception 6. Toilets 7. Store Room
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ART THERAPY ROOM - Ceramics and Sculpture & Painting and Sketching Creating art, viewing it, and talking about it provides a way for people to cope with emotional conflicts and increase self-awareness. It also allows them to express unspoken and often unconscious concerns about their illness. The art therapist uses pictures, art supplies, and visual symbols, as well as an understanding of behaviour to help patients address their own personal concerns and conflicts. Art therapists work with patients individually or in groups. The art therapist provides the materials necessary to create paintings, drawings, sculptures, and other types of artwork. This type of therapy may help you express feelings about cancer through art. Your art is then used to help you discuss emotions and concerns as related to it. In another form of art therapy, you may view pieces of art, often in photographs. You can then talk with a therapist about what you see. Creating art with an art therapist helps you express painful thoughts or memories possibly related to your cancer diagnosis. This may, in turn, help you cope with the difficulties of the diagnosis. In conventional mental health therapy, people talk with a counselor. To talk about traumatic or painful experiences that may be hidden in the subconscious mind is an important part of the healing process. In much the same way, creating a drawing or painting of an emotion or event can serve as a tool that helps the art therapist guide you through the process of dealing with similar concerns.
ABOUT THE SPACE The author envisions the art therapy rooms to be an all white space with maximum amount of natural light to seep in for the creative minds to work and for maximum stimulation. The spaces have been designed for it to be universally accessible .
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YOGA ROOM
Yoga is basically a spiritual discipline which is based on an extremely subtle science that concentrates on bringing harmony between mind and body. It is a science and an art of healthy and sound living. The word 'Yoga' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Yuj', signifying 'to join' or 'to combine' or 'to unite'. Both Yoga and Ayurveda are historically closely related and have developed in tandem with each other since ancient times. According to Yogic sacred writings the act of Yoga prompts the union of individual consciousness with that of the Universal Consciousness, showing an ideal congruity between the mind and body, Man and Nature. Yoga is believed to balance the three doshas i.e Vata , Pitta & kapha. As indicated by modern scientists, everything in the universe is only an appearance of a similar quantum atmosphere. One who experiences this oneness of existence is said to be in yoga, and is named as a yogi, having achieved a state of freedom alluded to as Mukti, Nirvana or Moksha. Therefore, the prime objective of Yoga is Self-Realisation, to overcome all types of sufferings prompting 'the state of salvation' (Moksha) or 'freedom' (Kaivalya). Living with freedom in all aspects of life, health and harmony is the primary focus of yoga practice. "Yoga" likewise alludes to an inward science including an assortment of strategies through which people can understand this union and accomplish authority over their destiny.Yoga, being generally considered as an ‘Immortal cultural outcome’ of Indus Saraswati Valley civilization – going back to 2700 B.C., has substantiated itself taking into account both material and spiritual upliftment of humanity.Basic humane values are the very Identity of Yoga Sadhana. Learn about the importance of yoga.
Types of Yoga:
Hatha Yoga: This is one of the oldest forms of yoga which includes the practice of asanas (Postures) and pranayama (breathing exercise) which brings peace to mind and body, and helps prepare the body for deeper spiritual practices such as meditation. Vinyasa Yoga: 77
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An active and athletic style of yoga adapted from the traditional ashtanga system in the late 1980s. It essentially means movement synchronized with breath and is a vigorous style based on the rapid flow through sun salutation. It also refers to the continuous flow from one posture to another. Ashtanga Yoga: Ashtanga is a system of yoga that was brought to the modern world by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. This form of yoga includes six series and each series is a set sequence of asanas, always in the same order. It is typically fast-paced, vigorous and physically challenging. Power Yoga: Power yoga is described as vigorous, vinyasa-style yoga. Power yoga's popularity has spread across the globe and is now taught everywhere. Because the style can vary, it is recommended that you consult the individual instructor before performing it. Bikram Yoga: It consists of twenty-six postures and two breathing techniques. This style of yoga helps flush toxins, manage weight and allow performers to move more deeply into postures. Jivamukti Yoga: This style of yoga was created in 1984. Chanting, meditation, readings and affirmations are done in this style of yoga. Iyengar Yoga: Poses are held much longer in this form of yoga in an effort to pay closer attention to the precise musculoskeletal alignment within each asana. Another trademark of iyengar is the use of props, such as blocks, belts, bolsters, chairs and blankets, which are used to accommodate injuries, tightness or structural imbalances, as well as teach the student how to move properly into a posture. Anusara Yoga: The anusara style is a new system of hatha that teaches a set of Universal Principles of Alignment that underlie all yoga postures, while encouraging flowing with grace and following your heart. It is broadly categorized into three parts known as the three A’s and they include attitude, alignment and action Sivananda Yoga: It typically begins with Savasana (relaxation pose), kapalabhati and anuloma viloma, followed by a few rounds of surya namaskara. Then it moves through Sivananda's twelve asanas, which together are designed to increase strength and flexibility of the spine. Chanting and meditation can also be a part of it.
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Viniyoga: Viniyoga refers to an approach to yoga that adapts the various means and methods of practice to the unique condition, needs and interests of the individual. This style of yoga helps in self-discovery and personal transformation. Kundalini Yoga: Kundalini incorporates multiple movements or exercises, dynamic breathing practices, chanting, meditation and mantras. Each specific kundalini exercise, referred to as a kriya, is a movement that is often repeated and is synchronized with the breath. The practice is designed to awaken the energy at the base of the spine in order to draw it upward through each of the seven chakras. Yin Yoga: Yin yoga is a slow-paced style in which poses are held for five minutes or longer. Even though it is passive, yin yoga can be quite challenging due to the long duration holds, particularly if your body is not used to it. The purpose is to apply moderate stress to the connective tissue - the tendons, fascia and ligaments - with the aim of increasing circulation in the joints and improving flexibility.
Yoga works on the level of one’s body, mind, emotion and energy. This has given rise to four broad classifications of Yoga: karma yoga, where we use the body; bhakti yoga, where we use the emotions; gyana yoga, where we use the mind and intellect; and kriya yoga, where we use the energy. All the ancient commentaries on Yoga focus on performing the Yoga under the direction of a Guru. The reason being that only a Guru can mix the appropriate combination of the four fundamental paths, as is necessary for each seeker.
Now-a-days, millions and millions of people across the globe have been benefitted by practicing Yoga on daily basis which has been preserved and promoted by the great eminent Yoga Masters from ancient time to this date.The practice of Yoga is flourishing, and growing more vibrant every day.
ABOUT THE SPACE The author envisions the yoga rooms to be an all white space with maximum amount of natural light to seep in for the energising of the soul through natural light and access to visual greenery. 79
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The layout of the space is done in a radial form where the instructor is going to be in the centre of the space spreading his vibe and energy to all the practitioners practicing in the space.
The author has tried to work on the concept of the circle through Sri Aurbindo’s learnings.
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MEDITATION ROOM Meditation isn’t about becoming a different person, a new person, or even a better person. It’s about training in awareness and getting a healthy sense of perspective. You’re not trying to turn off your thoughts or feelings. You’re learning to observe them without judgment. And eventually, you may start to better understand them as well.
Meditation is a mental exercise that trains attention and awareness. Its purpose is often to curb reactivity to one's thoughts and feelings, which, though they may be disturbing and upsetting and hijack attention from moment to moment, are invariably fleeting.
There’s no such thing as perfect meditation. Sometimes your focus will wander or you’ll forget to follow your breath. That’s OK. It’s part of the experience. What’s most important is to meditate consistently. It’s one of those things where the journey is more important than the destination.
BENEFITS OF MEDITATION There are dozens of scientifically proven benefits of meditation. Studies confirm the experience of millions of practitioners: meditation will keep you healthy, help prevent multiple diseases, make you emotionally well, and improve your performance in basically any task, physical or mental.
Some of the benefits come as soon as with 8 weeks of daily practice; other benefits take longer to mature, and will depend on your intensity of practice. Meditation is good for several things, and it’s different things to different people. However, it is usually one of these three things that drive people to practice: 1.
Specific benefit: improving your health, wellbeing, performance, focus.
2.
Growth: emotional healing, self-knowledge, self-discipline, letting go.
3.
Spirituality: connecting with God, inner peace, and other spiritual goals.
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Whatever drives you to meditate, that is good. You will get the benefits you seek, in the proportion of your consistency and commitment to building this habit. But the wider you cast your net, the more fish you will get — so I would encourage you to practice not only for one particular reason, but for the sake of the practice itself. Your motivation may also evolve by time, as the practice starts to unfold in your life. It’s impossible for us to make our thoughts disappear, and often, the more we try to suppress them, the louder they become. But practicing meditation can help clear away the mind’s chatter. Studies show that meditating even for periods as short as 10 minutes increases the brain's alpha waves (associated with relaxation) and decreases anxiety and depression. Meditation acts on areas of the brain that modulate the autonomic nervous system, which governs such functions as digestion and blood pressure—functions heavily affected by chronic stress. Many people find meditation an effective stress-reliever. Through its physiological effects, meditation has been found to effectively counter heart disease, chronic pain, and other conditions. Specific types of meditation are associated with different documented effects. Mindfulness meditation, for instance, has been shown to decrease distraction and rumination, and it can make negative automatic thoughts seem less frequent and easier to let go of. Likewise, loving-kindness meditation may limit the frequency of repetitive thoughts, in addition to curbing charged responses to those thoughts.
ABOUT THE SPACE The author envisions the meditation rooms to be an all white space no natural light and just one source of artificial light to illuminate the entire space . The circle on the curved wall acts as a screen and as a source of light. The layout of the space is done taking inspiration from the rays of the sun from where the instructor is going to be starting point of the rays. It has been done so to try and create energy through the layout and make it easy for the practitioners to increase their concentration level to maximum potential.
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AUDITORIUM An auditorium is a room built to enable an audience to hear and watch performances. Auditorium can be found in entertainment venues, community halls, and theatres, and may be used for rehearsal, presentation, performing arts productions, or as a learning space.
ABOUT THE SPACE The author envisions the Auditorium to be an informal space which is designed like an amphitheater with maximum amount of natural light to seep in for the energising of the soul through natural light and access to visual greenery. The layout of the space is done in a linear form where the speaker or the presenter is going to be in the centre of the space and can be visible to all the individuals seated in that space. Concrete has been used for the steps where people will sit down to hear the speaker or presenter.
Ramps and stairs both have been provided for individuals to reach the space.
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HUMAN LIBRARY We all have spoken and very clearly know about what a Library is and what it feels like to be in it. To go into a room which is specially dedicated to reading and improve our minds and fill them with a lot of knowledge.
What if we designed spaces where what you read or study are not books and individuals. In today’s time where there is nil communication and interaction between humans the author feels it’s extremely important for spaces like these where people can be the subject themesleves and share their stories to other individuals who choose to come in to hear.
ABOUT THE SPACE The author envisions the human library to be an all white space with maximum amount of natural light to seep in for the energising of the soul through natural light and access to visual greenery. The layout of the space is done in a radial form where all the participants can see each other and talk ans share their stories. The author has tried to work on the concept of the circle through Sri Aurbindo’s learnings.
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WRITING ROOM As human beings it is always not possible to share your thoughts through talking to other individuals and sharing your stories. There are a lot of times where you would want to just think about it and tell a stranger or pen it down for some to read or just to throw it in the dustbin. All an individual needs is to take out what they have in their mind.
The author designs a space for just doing that. There are small cubicles placed inside a room where an individual can have their “ME� time and sit there , introspect and write a story or what they feel.
ABOUT THE SPACE The author envisions the Writing room to be an all white space with all white cubicles with maximum amount of natural light to seep in . All the walls of the space are to have empty envelopes where in people can come in and insert their letters. The surfaces that the cubicles will provide can have sticky notes for small messages and small notes. An all white space with colourful envelopes and sticky notes to make the room lively and interactive.
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MUSIC ROOM Music therapy uses music to promote healing and enhance quality of life. It's a complementary therapy that is used along with treatments to help patients cope mentally and physically with their thoughts and feelings they have. Music therapy may involve listening to music, creating music, singing, and discussing music, in addition to guided imagery with music.
Music therapy can be incorporated into many different environments. People listen to music alone or in groups. This can be done with trained therapists or without. It can be as simple as someone listening to a CD. Specially selected music can be broadcasted into hospital rooms. Music therapists design music therapy sessions for a wide variety of needs. Some of the ways music is used as therapy include the following: Music improvisation Receptive music listening Song writing Lyric discussion Imagery and relaxation Performance of music
For example, in a music therapy session that is specially designed to promote self-expression, the therapist might create a musical and emotional environment that encourages you to respond by revealing personal experiences or feelings. The session might incorporate speech and drama as well as music. Or the therapist might use singing and discussions. By playing music with lyrics, the therapist can encourage you to make up words that are then formed into a positive, unique song.
ABOUT THE SPACE The author envisions the Music room to be an all white space with no natural light and all white tables and chairs.There is a glass cubicle which has been created which will act as the space for the therapist guiding the practitioners and for private sessions. All the surfaces of the room will have access to projections where there will be visuals that will be played related to the music playing. 86
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COUNSELLOR SECTION - 3 Office Rooms
- 1 Psychiatrist - 4 Therapy Rooms - 4 Cabins for Interns - 2 Meeting Rooms - 1 Conference Room - Lounge - TV watching area - Play area - Reception One of the most important area of the building, where all the staff members associated to this space will be sitting. It will also have therapy rooms where individuals can pre book appointments with therapists/counsellors.
Have a lounge/waiting area where individuals can come and relax and wait for their turn and interact with other individuals waiting in the space. The TV room has four recliners and it will have inspirational videos and movies that will play and the individuals visiting the space can come and see to inspire and motivate themselves
A conference room for all the workers to discuss and share their monthly/weekly plans and discuss the growth of the individuals and have constant case studies.
Space for interns where they could come and train under professionals and have live case study subjects for their own individual studies and practices.
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REFERENCES Desk, I. T. W. (2019, June 17).India is the most depressed country in the world. Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/india-is-the-most-depressedcountry-in-the-world-mental-health-day-2018-1360096-2018-10-10
Channon, B. (2018). Happy by design: A guide to architecture and mental wellbeing.
Foroux, D. (2019, August 2). The Purpose Of Life Is Not Happiness: It's Usefulness. Retrieved from https://medium.com/darius-foroux/the-purpose-of-life-is-not-happiness-itsusefulness-65064d0cdd59
(2018, May 9). How space and architecture influence happiness. Retrieved from https:// www.theglobeandmail.com/life/relationships/how-space-and-architecture-influence-happiness/ article4095979/
https://libres.uncg.edu/ir/uncg/f/ORourke_uncg_0154M_12395.pdf
Manson, M. (2019). The subtle art of not giving a f*ck: A counterintuitive approach to living a good life.
Garcia, H., Miralles, F., Dixon, W., &Gildan Media. (2018). Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life. New York: Distributed by] RBdigital.
Manson, M. (2019). Everything is f*cked: A book about hope.
https://www.burohappold.com/news/ten-environmental-factors-improve-health-wellbeingproductivity-part-1/
https://www.livescience.com/2953-amazing-power-music-revealed.html
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